“Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 1 Kings 17:9
“We are now told of some other miracles associated with Elisha that resemble those worked by Elijah. The miraculous supply of oil is similar to the supply of flour for the widow of Zarephath that did not run out till the end of the famine. The raising of the dead child of the Shunammite woman resembles that of the child of the widow in Zarephath. One thing that should be noted about all these miracles is the faith and obedience of those who benefited. None of them doubted the ability of the prophet. They did as the prophet told them and they saw the power of the Lord working to meet their needs.”
Musa Gotom (Nigeria) in “2 Kings” in Africa Bible Commentary, Tokunboh Adeyemo, General Editor (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) 445.
Yesterday I reflected on a miracle in the Elisha narrative, so I went back to look at parallels in the life and ministry of Elijah. There is so much in this little verse.
Here God sent Elijah to Zarephath. In biblical terms, that was known as a “place of refinement.” Is God refining you at this time? That was the case for Elijah and the widow both.
And God directed heer to care for him. Maybe this is where you fit in the story? Maybe God has nudged you to care for a man of God or someone in ministry?
If your answer to God is, “Who me?” then consider that perhaps the widow asked herself the same question. The key is that both Elijah and the widow had to have faith and obey.
God took care of the rest. He always does, and with instruments like oil and flour in response to humble faith and obedience.
I am in West Africa out of faith and obedience. God has supplied the resources to serve here and is working in power. Samson and I will facilitate Stations of Generosity today.
I am processing all God is doing in Benin right now with a thankful heart. He’s stretching me and allowing me to see Him work in power. Let Him stretch you too. It’s for your good and His glory.