Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake 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 gives rain on the land.'" - 1 Kings 17:12-14 NIV

At God's command, the great prophet, Elijah, pronounced a drought over all Israel, because of the wickedness of King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. Instead of sending His beloved servant to one of the wealthy citizens of the land for provision, God sends him to a starving widow in Zarephath. When Elijah asks her for some bread and water, she reveals that she only has enough flour and oil to make one last meal for herself and her son. If you had been this widow, what do you think your reaction would have been? I think I might have said something like, "What! Are you crazy? My kid and I are starving to death, and you have the nerve to ask ME to help YOU?" Oh well. There goes my shot at a miracle. Thankfully, this widow obeyed Elijah and gave him all the provisions she had left in the world. Her act of faith birthed a miracle. God provided for her, her son, and the prophet throughout the entire drought.

I can't tell you why God expected this widow to provide for Elijah. It's just one more example of how God likes to work in ways we don't expect. Perhaps there have been times when God has asked you to meet someone's needs, even though you felt you had little or nothing to offer. Maybe there have been times when God asked you to "just be there" for someone who was going through a rough time, and you couldn't help but think, "But God, I have troubles of my own. I can't help them now." Remember this widow. Remember how God blessed her abundantly because, even in her darkest hour, she reached out in faith to someone in need.

Prayer: Lord, help me to focus less on my own needs, and to look around me to see the needs of others. Fill my heart with a love like Yours, and take from me the pride and the fear that hinder me from reaching out to them. Use me to touch and change people's lives for their good and Your glory. Thank You for blessing me and making me a blessing!