PROVISION PROVIDER
1 Kings 17:1-16

In every area of breakthrough, allowing fear can possibly be a hindering factor. The case of the woman of Zarephath demands close attention in order to gain understanding of how fear can deny a breakthrough. The Zarephath woman was approached by Elijah. At the time she was approached, there was no indication of any prior knowledge of this Zarephath woman to Elijah. He approached her requesting, “’…Please bring me a little water in a cup that I may drink.’ And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, ‘Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.’” (1 Kings 17:10-11) Evidently, the woman of Zarephath only had just enough for herself and her son to eat because it was a time of famine in the whole land. In her sincerity and honesty, she responded to Elijah’s demand by stating that she only had enough for herself and son to eat and die; meaning that after they ate, there would be nothing coming forth. Elijah did not hesitate when he responded to her. “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’”(1 Kings 17:13-14) The encouraging word of Elijah was not to allow fear to deny her from obeying the word of God. Fear would have provoked doubt and doubt is the agent of denial. The woman of Zarephath responded well to the word of Elijah. How often have you unconsciously allowed fear to give way to doubt and doubt to deny your obedience? The Zarephath woman had no good reason to trust or respond to a stranger in the name of God. Just like the Zarephath woman, you also do not have any reason responding to a stranger in the name of God. However, we do have evidence that when means of provision seem to be over, He gives provision in a new and meaningful way. In response and full compliance to Elijah, the Zarephath woman, “…Went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.” God is beautiful for situation. Trust in Him that nothing forms against you, not even a deceiver, shall prosper. In time of lack, do all that is within you in the name of God for your neighbor and God will not overlook you.

Prayer for today: O Lord my God, only you can help me to increase in love offering to others.