1 Kings 17:12 

New International Version (NIV)

“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.”

For Meditation

She woke up that morning with a heavy burden. What was she going to do beyond their last meal that day? As a widow, she had done all she could to keep her home and her little boy alive; but now, her provision had run down to the last portion – a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug (1 Kings 17:12). With much trepidation, she went out to collect firewood to cook her last meal. So, who is this man asking for the impossible? Doesn’t he know the widow’s plight? How could she share the little water she had left and to bake a piece of bread for him (11)?

1. Is that your situation today? Have you ever been solicited for help when you were completely cleaned up and desperate for a miracle?
2. Remember the day you bought a sandwich with your last penny and turned around to see a wide-eyed little boy covetously staring you in the face?
3. What do you do in such a situation? Do you give it away when you’re famished already, and have a long day ahead of you?
4. Have you been down to your last money for the week and received a desperate call from a friend for a bail out?
5. What about the day you sat in church with only enough for the train or bus ride home, or with just enough to buy a gallon of fuel for your car when the missionary appeal was strongly made?

Some days are like that and we struggle to make the right call. The best part of us always strive to maintain the “me first” code of survival, or to protect ourselves from “obvious” exploitation. However, the story of the Widow of Zarephath informs us about the sacrifice that apprehends God’s provision beyond our obvious lack that always frightens us to death. Confronted with her dire situation, the widow responded by faith and received the miracle of her life (12-16).

Your question at this point is the universal one. “How do I know the right need to meet with such self-sacrifice?” It’s a question no one can answer for you, but your open heart before the Lord. The Spirit of God gives discernment to minister to those whose heart are set after the compassionate heart of Christ Jesus for the glory of God the Father.

We may be taken for a ride now and then, as we open our hearts to give out of our desperate lack; but one thing is sure. You will never miss the miracle and blessing of God (Isa. 58:10).

Shalom