THE WAY OF PROVISIONS

Scripture Focus:  1 Kings 17:8-24

The study of the word of God reveals how different the thoughts of God are from ours.  When we need something, we go to the individual with plenty.  This message “the way of provisions” teaches us much about how God will provide for those that trust Him. 

Elijah had just predicted to King Ahab that there would be no rain except for his word.  The Lord directed Elijah to hide in the Kerith Ravine.  There he would drink from the brook and the ravens would feed him there.  Over time, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.  

God then directed Elijah to go to Sidon where He had directed a widow to supply him with food.  Isn’t it interesting that it was a widow?  Our first thought is that she must have plenty of everything to supply Elijah during this drought.   Moving in obedience, Elijah came to the town and saw a widow gathering sticks.  Elijah asked the widow to bring him a little water.  As she started to get the water, he asked her to bring him a piece of bread.

The widow’s response was interesting.  “As surely as the Lord your God lives, I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug.  I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die." (v. 17:12-13)

Elijah told her not to be afraid but do as he said.  She made the cake for him first, then herself and son afterwards.  Elijah revealed that the God of Israel said.  “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land." (v. 17:14) 

Let us take a look at God’s way for provisions:

  1. The widow did what he told her and provided for God’s servant before her needs.
  2. Her actions revealed her trust.
  • She was not afraid.
  • The flour and oil remained as she provided for God’s servant.
  • She was able to provide for herself and son.
  • She was faithful and God was faithful.  Food remained until the drought ended.

       3. While serving the man of God, the widow’s son died.  Elijah prayed and God restored her son to life.

We never know what our future needs may be and our obedience today will make provision for the needs of tomorrow.  Never look at what you have when God requires you to do what you believe you are unable to do.  To refuse is to stop the miracle of the provision.  God will ask from you what He alone will provide.  You must believe God.

MAKE THE SACRIFICE TO MEET ANOTHER’S NEED

GIVE GOD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVEAL HIS GLORY