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 during the severe drought and famine that ensued. Still, 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.

Despite her dire circumstances, the widow summoned the courage to face the stranger’s request. The stranger asked for the impossible—to share the little water she had left and to bake a piece of bread for him. Didn’t he understand her plight? How could she possibly comply?

You may have experienced a similar situation or are going through one today. When you’re already financially strained and in need of a miracle, it can be incredibly challenging to meet the request of someone else who is needy. It tests your faith to the core and requires grace to respond in a way that brings glory to God. 

Remember when you bought a sandwich with your last penny and turned around to see a wide-eyed little boy covetously staring you in the face?

What would you do in such a situation, or what would you do should it happen to you now? Do you give it away when you’re famished and have a long day ahead? How about the day you were down to your last money for the week and received a desperate call from a friend for a bailout? What about the day you sat in church with only enough for the train or bus ride home or just enough to buy a gallon of fuel for your car when the Pastor made the touching missionary appeal? 

Some days are like that, and we struggle to make the right call. The best part of us always strives to maintain the “me first” survival code or to protect ourselves from “obvious” exploitation. However, the story of the Widow of Zarephath is a testament to the power of faith. It informs us about the sacrifice that apprehends God’s provision beyond our apparent lack, which always frightens us to death. Confronted with her dire situation, the widow responded in 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 who have set their hearts after the compassionate heart of Christ Jesus for the glory of God the Father.

People may take us 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. His provision is always there, even in our most desperate moments.

Shalom