Living Like Elijah

Then the word of The Lord came to Elijah saying: "get up and go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there." So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. 1 Kings 17:8-10

Elijah had been at a wadi being fed by ravens until the water dried up. Now God is giving him a command to go to a woman in Zarephath. I wonder if he was thinking: ' good! I was wondering what next, a step up. Now I'll be waited on by a woman!" What a surprise when he arrived, no doubt hungry and thirsty.

The widow was gathering sticks to light a fire for her last meal. She had a little flour and oil, enough for one last cake. She thought this was the end. She did not show signs that God had spoken to her and prepared her to look after a prophet, one who had caused the drought in the first place.

Elijah stepped up to the plate and rought a miracle, one that would continue.

Next the son dies, perhaps from malnutrition and Elijah prays and expects a miracle, and receives one.

This was the sign that the woman needed to believe.

Elijah stayed with this woman and her son until the end of the drought, quite a while.  What did he do? Apart from work miracles, that is. 

What a life! Have you been complaining of your lack? Have you survived on bread and water for 2 and a bit years? Have you had your faith challenged by losing your hostess' son while you intruded on their hospitality?

Have you doubted your ministry? Have you had it rough?

Perhaps we need to toughen up! Amen!