The widow and the flour

One of the first biblical accounts of the prophet Elijah is His encounter with the widow of Zarephath. During a time of drought, God told Elijah that a poor widow would provide him food. When he met her and asked for bread, she replied, “I don’t have any bread  – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die” (1 Kings 17:12).

But the Lord spoke through Elijah and told her that if she used these meager ingredients to feed him her flour and oil would not run dry. The widow obeyed, and her faith was rewarded as God kept his promise: “For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”

This story is a beautiful illustration of faith-filled obedience and God’s blessing, with two key lessons: 

1. God uses unlikely people to accomplish His purposes.
2. Faith in the Lord and His provision is enough.

Throughout Scripture, we see countless stories of God working through unexpected people for His greater purposes. He promised the birth of a nation through a barren womanopens in a new tab. He prepared a shepherd boy to become a kingopens in a new tab. And He called a persecutor of Christians to become one of the most influential leaders of the early churchopens in a new tab. We also see how God continually delivers (even if it’s not how we expect) when His faithful put their trust in Him.

As we being this new year, are we openhanded with our plans as the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9)? And are we willing to follow Him where He may lead? Are we walking by faith and offering freely what we have to the Lord and His mission? 

Generosity is not simply taking a portion of our possessions and giving them; it’s an act of faith, of placing all we have into His hands for His purposes. Giving is an outward representation of our heart’s alignment. As we consider our giving plans for this year, may we remember the story of the widow and the flour. Know that God will provide as we put our faith in Him.

Connect with our NCF Heartland team to explore how a Giving Strategy™ can help you align your giving with the purposes God has placed on your heart.