To lead Israel to repentance in the time of the wicked king Ahab and Jezebel, the Lord decreed, through the prophet Elijah, an extended drought (1). But Elijah himself lived in Israel. How would he survive? The Lord already had a plan for that (2-6). The time of being fed by ravens was training for Elijah to depend on God and separate himself from the world.

Ultimately, God wanted Elijah not just to survive but to bless others, so Elijah was sent to a widow in Zarephath (7-9). When she showed faith, God miraculously provided for her, her son, and Elijah as well (10-16). However, it seemed Elijah’s presence was not enough to prevent tragedy from striking, and the widow’s son became ill and died (17-18). But God used this to perform an even greater miracle and verify that Elijah was speaking the words of God (19-24).

In Christ, we are the representatives of God’s grace, as Elijah was in his time. First, we need confidence in God’s provision so we can overcome self-centeredness. Then, we can be sure that our presence is meant to be a blessing even in times of suffering and loss.
Application: Father, thank you for providing for me in good times and bad until this day. Increase my faith that you will use me as a blessing everywhere I go!
One Word: Blessed and a blessing