A recent read of 1 Kings 17 was eye opening.
Elijah gives word to the king there will be a drought in the land. For a time, God provides for him but the water source dried up due to lack of rain.
God tells him to go to Zarephath, where a woman will provide for him.
When he encounters the woman and requests both water and bread, she responds that she only has a little bit, a handful, of flour left for herself and her son.
Elijah’s response is a peculiar one:
“However, Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said.
Just make me a little bread loaf from it first and bring it out to me,
and afterward
you may make one for yourself and for your son.”
(1 Kings 17:13, NASB)
He asks her to put him first, further telling her God has promised her flour and oil will not run out.
And so she does as Elijah has requested.
There is no shortage of bad news each day. We surely cannot solve or resolve the problems everyone is encountering.
But here is the point this story from Elijah brings to light –> we are all capable of doing something to help others or brighten someone’s day.
That one small act may carry them until the next small act. It may change their outlook, shift their focus, or cause them to desire Jesus.
But here is what this story also brought to mind:
“Give, and it will be given to you.
They will pour into your lap a good measure –
pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
(Luke 8:38, NASB)
When we do or give to others, we also benefit. We reap the reward of knowing we have helped someone else. Our hearts are filled with a peace and joy words cannot express.
“Give, and it will be given to you.”
Be generous.
Do something for someone today.
Reflection:
What can you do to brighten someone’s day this week?
Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
Selfless giving. I don't know if she knew who he was - if she knew He was the Man of God or just some traveler - but she had to serve him first, trust him first - give him first all she had to keep her and her son alive for one more day - and then, if his promise was true, there would be enough to feed her son and her - sacrificial, trusting - and oh, the blessing that came. The focus so often is on the miracle of provision - not the widow's risk! I love your Monday morning encouragements! I'm excited about the opportunities God has in store this week - the risks to be taken! Grace & Blessings, Joanne!
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