So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town
gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you
bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?" 1 Kings
17:10
Footnote:
In a nation that was required by law to care
for its prophets, it is ironic that God turned to ravens (unclean birds) and a
widow (a foreigner from Jezebel's home territory) to care for Elijah. God has
help where we least expect it. He provides for us in ways that go beyond our
narrow definitions or expectations. No matter how bitter our trials or how
seemingly hopeless our situation, we should look for God's caring touch. We may
find his providence in some strange places!
17:13-16 Footnote:
When the widow of Zarephath met Elijah, she thought she
was preparing her last meal. But a simple act of faith produced a miracle. She
trusted Elijah and gave all she had to eat to him. Faith is the step between
promise and assurance. Miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith. But
every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience. We may not see
the solution until we take the first step of faith.
Midday passed, and they continued their
frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no
response, no one answered, no one paid attention. 1 Kings
18:29
Footnote:
Although the prophets of Baal raved
all afternoon no one answered them. Their god was silent because it was not
real. The gods we may be tempted to follow are not idols of wood or stone, but
thy are just as false and dangerous because they cause us to depend on something
other than God. Power, status, appearance, or material possessions can become
our gods if we devote our lives to them. But when we reach times of crisis and
desperately call out to these gods, there will only be silence. They can offer
no true answers, no guidance, and no wisdom.
Keep reading -- 194 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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