Continuing our series on ‘Understanding the Life of Faith and Grace’, we delve deeper into how these two fundamental principles work together, empowering us to walk in the complete abundance of blessings available to us in Christ Jesus. Let us begin with an examination of 1 Kings 17: Elijah boldly declared a drought over the land, saying, “… there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word” (vs.1), and knowing that the drought would affect Elijah too, God instructed him, “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith … And it will be that you shall drink from the brook and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there” (vs.2-4). God, in His divine wisdom, directed Elijah to a source of water during the prolonged drought. He also commanded ravens, typically selfish birds, to feed him. Despite their nature, God used them to supply Elijah’s needs, demonstrating that His provision can come from the most unexpected sources. Furthermore, it is crucial for us to take steps of faith to experience God’s provision; we read that Elijah ‘went and did according to the word of the Lord … the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening …’ (vs.5-6). The ravens brought food in the morning, and again in the evening. The brook was a natural source that God used to satisfy Elijah’s needs, while the bread and meat were miraculous provisions. Our own lives often reflect a similar combination of natural and miraculous sources. After a while, the brook dried up and Elijah had to again rely on the present voice of the Lord to sustain him and show him the next step.
Again, the Lord spoke to Elijah, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath … and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you” (vs.9). God’s command for a widow to provide for His servant demonstrates His ability to use anyone to fulfil His purposes, even in unconventional ways, for His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). When Elijah came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink” (vs.10b). Elijah’s request for water, a scarce commodity during the drought, was an opportunity for the widow to exercise faith by giving what she had to receive more. Scriptures often show God asking, “What do you have?” because there is always something we possess that God can multiply if we entrust it to Him.
The widow did not hesitate to fetch water for Elijah, as it was not a significant inconvenience for her. However when Elijah asked also for bread (vs.11), the widow began explaining her dire situation, saying she only had enough flour and oil to prepare a final meal for herself and her son before they died (vs.12). After comforting the widow, Elijah instructed her, “go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some 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’ ” (vs.13b-14). Elijah’s instruction illustrates a key kingdom principle: ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33). When we prioritize the kingdom, we witness everything else falling into place. The widow obediently followed Elijah’s instructions, and as a result, she, her son, and her household were miraculously provided for until the drought ended, just as the Lord had promised (vs.15-16). Therefore, let us continue to trust in God’s abundant grace and faithfully act upon His Word, positioning ourselves to live in the abundance that God has already prepared for us. No situation we get ourselves in is too sorry to excuse us from exercising the principles given to us; we must always put our faith to action and see the power of the Lord come alive in our lives!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound lessons of faith and grace that we’ve learnt today. Help us to trust in Your abundant provision and to walk in obedience to Your Word. May we continually seek Your kingdom first, knowing that You are faithful to Your promises, and that You will meet our every need. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
