“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive 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.” Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 1 Kings 17:12-14
“Assure thyself when thou art at the greatest pinch, strength shall come. They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: when the last handful of meal was dressing, then is the prophet sent to keep the widow’s house. When temptation is strong, thy little strength is even spent, and thou ready to yield into the hands of thine enemies, then expect succors from heaven, to enable thee to hold out under the temptation.Thus with Paul, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee,’ i.e. there is power from heaven to raise the siege, and drive away the tempter.”
William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 27) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Today marks the last post from this puritan writing. It contains a significant message. It is perfect for all those who find themselves in a pinch or even the greatest pinch. Don’t be afraid but put your trust in God.
In the Garden of Gethsemane during the Passion Week, the disciples let Jesus down. They could not even pray with Him for an hour without falling asleep. But the God who neither sleeps nor slumbers heard His prayers.
In the greatest pinch in human history, God gave Jesus the grace and strength He needed to bear the cross and horrible suffering. He offers that same grace and strength to us. But we may feel like the widow, bereft of strength and hope and ready to die.
Is that you? Notice that, in her greatest pinch, she gave what she had to God and her flour and oil never ran out. Follow her example, follow the example of Jesus. God does His most generous work when we trust Him in our greatest pinch.