1 Kings 17:1-7 The story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. God sent Elijah to this woman when there was a severe famine.
The first point I'd like to draw from this text is that God will provide what we need. Verse 5 says that God provided the jar of flour and jug of oil, so the widow and Elijah would not starve during this famine. As Christians today, we can be encouraged to remember that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, God will provide us with all that is useful and necessary. He makes himself available and will always leave us with what we need.
The second point I'd like to draw from this text is about hope. In verse 6, the widow fears that she will soon die of starvation along with her son. But Elijah tells her not to be afraid because God has heard her cry for help and will provide. We can use this story to remind ourselves of our hope in God's faithfulness and provision, no matter how bleak the situation may appear.
The final point I'd like to draw from this text is trust. The widow shows us a great example of trusting God even when it seems impossible. Even though she had little food, she trusted God and gave Elijah a meal first. In return, God faithfully provided for her need. We, too, can learn to trust in the Lord even when it is difficult or seems impossible, knowing that He will be faithful to us just as he was with the widow of Zarephath.
To conclude, let us remember the three points we can learn from 1 Kings 17:1-7: (1). God will provide what is valuable and necessary; (2). Hope in God's faithfulness, no matter how bleak the situation may seem, and (3). Trust in God even when it is difficult. May each of these points be a source of encouragement to us today. Amen.
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