December 16

“For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 1 Kings 17: 14 ESV

There are many times in life that we are called to step out in faith. We cannot see the end of our journey the way God can and we must trust in his ability to work things together.

The widow in this story must have felt the same way. She and her son had so few resources that they were preparing what could have been their last meal. Circumstances were dire due to a drought and because they had no one to provide for them.

When God sent Elijah to her door, the widow must have been filled with dread. A man she didn’t know was telling her not to fear giving him her last bit of bread. He claimed that God would not allow her jars of flour and oil to go empty. She had to wonder if she was being foolish by obeying.

We are not told what convinced her to do as Elijah instructed. The important thing is that she was obedient. The widow and her household were able to eat for many days because she followed what the Lord had instructed through his prophet. It must have been like seeing manna from heaven every time she looked in the jars. What a miracle!

This Advent we look back at a time when Jesus, the promised Messiah, had not yet come. We are reminded that waiting on the promises of God is not done to our timeline, but his, and for his glory. We can relate as we await the return of Jesus, our Bread of Life, and we follow in faith until the appointed time.

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the example of the widow and Elijah. Help me to follow your commands faithfully and step out in faith when called. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.