April 14:The Widow of Zarephath

 Theme: Faith in Scarcity: Trusting God to Provide

 

        Sharon Buckley
      Bodden Town Church

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in 
glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19, NKJV)
Life often brings us seasons of lack—times when resources are scarce, 
hope feels dim, and the future seems uncertain. It is in these moments 
that our faith is tested. The story of the Widow of Zarephath reminds 
us that God’s provision is not dependent on circumstances but 
on His faithfulness.

The Widow of Zarephath’s Test of Faith

In 1 Kings 17: 8-16, we meet a widow living in Zarephath during a severe drought. She has only a handful of flour and a little oil, barely enough for one last meal for herself and her son. As she gathered sticks to prepare what she believed to be their final meal, the prophet Elijah approached her with a bold request:

“Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink …and bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” (1 Kings 17: 10-11, NKJV)

Her response revealed the depth of her situation:

“As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin and a little oil in a jar…I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat in and die.” (1 Kings 17:12, NKJV)

Imagine the fear and desperation she must have felt. Yet, Elijah spoke a word from the Lord:

“Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel; ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’” (1 Kings 17: 13-14, NKJV)

Giving first was an extraordinary request, even when she had so little. Yet, the widow obeyed. This act of obedience revealed something profound: she trusted the prophet's word and ultimately trusted God more than she trusted her resources. This was not about giving out of abundance but surrendering even in lack. And because she obeyed, God honored her faith. Her flour and oil never ran out, and she and her household were sustained throughout the famine.

There was a season when I barely made ends meet, trying to balance my needs while supporting some family members. I was also determined to save money for school, but another unexpected expense would arise every time I put money aside. It felt like I was constantly stretching what little I had, unsure of how I would make it through. Yet, amid it all, God provided. There were moments when I received unexpected financial blessings, doors opened for extra income, and somehow, my needs were always met. Even when I couldn’t see a way forward, God reminded me that He is faithful, sustaining me one day at a time. Through that season, I learned that provision doesn’t always come in abundance but often in just enough to keep moving forward in faith.

Faith in the Midst of Lack

The widow’s story and my personal experience can teach us some powerful truths about trusting God in seasons of scarcity:

1.       Obedience Precedes Provision—God often calls us to step out in faith before we see His provision. The widow had to give from her lack before she saw God’s abundance. When we trust God with what little we have, He multiplies it beyond measure.

2.       God is Our Source—The Widow’s provision did not come from an abundant harvest or a wealthy benefactor but from God’s sustaining hand. In times of need, we must remember that our security is not in jobs, bank accounts, or human resources but in the Lord who provides.

3.       God’s Supply is Sufficient—God did not give the widow an overflowing storehouse, but He gave her daily provision. Sometimes, God provides just enough for each day to continually teach us to rely on Him. As Jesus said, “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11, NKJV)

4.       God’s provision often follows acts of faith—Sometimes, God asks us to give, not because He wants to take from us, but because He wants to position us to receive His miraculous provision. True faith isn’t just about trusting God when we have enough; it is about believing He is enough even when our hands feel empty.

A Prayer for Provision and Trust

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my Provider. In times of scarcity, help me to trust You completely. Like the Widow of Zarephath, please help me to walk obediently despite my limited resources. Remind me that You are faithful in supplying all my needs according to Your riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Strengthen my faith, remove my fear, and help