Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 17:8-24; Luke 4:25-26
The tragic story of a mother losing her son really hit home this week for the Sugar Creek family. I thought of the Millers as I read about last week’s WOB who lost her son. I prayed that God would revive Asai while he lay on life support, but that was not his will. Just as the faith of the widow was tested, it is now a reality that the faith of the Miller family will be tested as well. Let us pray that God will comfort and strengthen their family as we offer support to them during this difficult time.
As we observe Memorial Day, let us remember that there are many mothers who have lost their sons and daughters to war, accidental deaths and famine. This story was touching in so many ways and once again shows that we experience the same things today as many women of the Bible did.
Our economy has left millions without work, shelter and food. Yet, we must remember that God will never leave us, that he will supply our needs, and that he still reveals Elijahs to us in this day and time in various ways. Remember these thoughts and you answer one or all of the questions below:
1. After reading 1 Kings 17:10-12, our text ask the following question:
In today’s generally abundant society, it is perhaps more difficult than ever to admit that you do not have enough and that you need help. When have you or someone you know had to be as honest as the widow about your needs? What did you learn from being put in this position?
2. Where was the widow placing blame for her son’s death? Her sin? Elijah’s presence? God?
3. Now, for a second time, the widow’s son is saved by God through Elijah. What is the widow’s response when her son is returned to her?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I have never experienced a time when I didn't have my basic needs meet. To God be the glory for that. I have always had some type of food, clothing & shelter. God has provided for me all of my life. However when I empathize with the Widow of Zarephath, I ache to know that there are people in this world that don't have their basic daily needs met and are dying. I also think of what strength it took for this lady to fix food for Elijah and to trust him. It is also heartbreaking when after receiving the blessing of food which she felt she needed to keep them alive that her son died anyway for an unknown reason. It's hard to accept, but this text reaffirms that our lives is but a vapor. We are here today and gone tomorrow. We are not guaranteed to be here tomorrow. This morning I inhaled gratitude. His grace and mercy spared me and my family. I think it's important to point out that the Widow of Zarephath overcame two trials that were placed before her, because God intervened on her behalf and spared her. She did not lose her life and her son was spared because of God working through Elijah. God is good my sisters. :-) Hold on and keep the faith. We will have our reward.
I once thought that because my children and I ended up in a homeless shelter that I didn't have my needs met. I must say I was wrong for thinking that way. I still had a roof over my head, food on the table and clothes on my back, only difference was, that I shared those basic needs with other women who were put in the same (if not worse) situation I was in. I thank God that during heaven's roll call this morning, me and my family's name were called, and we had yet another chance to wake up and enjoy God's Grace and Mercy.
Whenever there is a great need followed by unwavering faith and faith packed words, God always shows up and shows out to remind us of his goodness, his love, and last but not least, that He is in control.
The woman of Zarephath was granted the desires of her heart because of her giving spirit during a time of shortage in her life. Her "little" was displayed in her many acts of faith and kindness, and her obedience led to provision. Through her gift to discern the Holy Spirit, Elijah was used by God to provide provision during famine for many years for the widow.
God will meet the need(s) of others through other people. Oh what a blessing, ladies! Let’s open our heart daily for God to use us to meet the needs and prayers of someone crying out to him for HELP!
Great comments my sisters. Arlene, you hit the nail on the head.
The widow of Zaraphath had great courage and faith. She gave her last bit to feed Elijah based upon his promise. Although, she was a pagan and lived in the homeland of Jezebel (the evil queen) and likely had the same beliefs as Jezebel, she trusted in the word of God delivered through Elijah. How many of us would give our last to feed someone else when we think it's our last meal? Even though she was a pagan, Jesus spoke of her in the synagogues. It just goes to show that Jesus cares for the lost and has compassion for all.
After the widow's son became sick and died, she thought that she was being punished for her past sins but after Elijah's miracle which brought her son back to life, it strengthened her faith in Israel's God. To God be ALL the glory!!
God sent Elijah to Sidon territory during the drought. God always has a reason for doing the things he does. We have to remember He's always in control looking ahead to provide for us. All we have to do is be obedient, just as the widow was, even if it doesn't make sense to us. God always has our best interest at heart. We just have to believe...
The widow of Zarephath
God is a provider; we just need to trust in Him! I am a witness and I know you are also! When I was growing up there were many days, my mother didn’t know where the next meal was going to come from. I remember listening to her pray on a daily basis for God to provide our meal. She taught us to pray when we rise in the morning, before our meals and before we lay down to sleep. She taught us also to give thanks after each meal. Not one day we went without a meal, even when she did not have any money. A friend or a neighbor always helped her. She was a single parent with ten children. My mother was such a giving person; she always shared the little we had with others. My friends remember this up to this day. In Panama we don’t have welfare system. With this said, I can connect to the widow of Zarepath. God saw her need and sent help for her. Our God is an awesome God; He is a shelter in the time of storms.
Love,
mj
Ladies, I can trully say that I have experienced some Elijah's in my life and especially in the past few weeks. Someone made a comment about how God put people in your way,(its so true). It could be an act of kindness in love, through prayer/concern,the gift of giving of yourself in so many ways and monetary gifts when needed. God works His miracles yet, in so many ways If we just trust in Him. As it was said, God will never leave us, especially when you belong to Him. A Question was asked if we know of someone including our selves, have ever experienced being honest about our situation when we need help. Yes, I was at one time not wanting to tell someone about needing anything because of not being proud/pride, but because I didn't want to be a burden in any way. But, I've come to learn that God wants us to confess any weakness that we may have and it comes in different ways. God said, you have not because you ask not! When you have a Brother or Sister after God's heart, He wil send them your way and sometimes when you're least expecting it. Quick Story!
During Great Day in May at Sugar Creek, being unemployed I was'nt to sure to step out on faith and sow seed in giving back to God in monetary gift as we're always asked to do even though we know can never match Gods giving and we're to give one wk of our salary. Well, I tell you I didn't give a full one wk salary but I came close! Smile.. but, God knows my heart. So I sowed! and guess what! immediately after service,do you know God gave what I sowed right back to me literely in my hands. God used the saints who's hearts were sincerely filled with giving and wanting to be used by God. That's how God works! He is soooo good. God tells us to carry each others burdens and that was trully an act of faith on their part. And like it was said with the widow of Zarephath, it showed me that when God shows up- He shows out and surely (I can give Him the Glory). "I would like to give a Shout Out! to the Nails family". We can all be used by God in one way or another when we trust in Him. I Love all of my Sister's and Brother's in Christ and especially my sister Trina who God gave to me to always look after me....Love TC
Post a Comment