Zarephath: Meagre faith meets mighty faith!

Elijah was a prophet chosen and used by God mightily. God judged Israel for their idol worship by sending famine. However, God provided for Elijah. Lord initially met his needs. He was provided by the ravens and water from the brook of Kerith.

However, God commanded Elijah to go to the Gentile nation of Sidon. He was sent to a woman, that too a poor widow.

Widow rich in faith

Elijah reaches Zarephath in Sidon. He was able to meet the woman who was picking up twigs to cook her final meal in the world.

1. Faith

The widow was a woman of faith. God discerned her faith and sent a man of faith Elijah to affirm her faith. Feeble faith, smoldering faith, mustard seed faith, and little faith are seen and rewarded by God who is faithful.

2. Diligence

The diligent widow was picking up twigs to cook her last meal. For her, the last day being alive was like any other day. God uses diligent disciples.

3. Mental peace

Being content with what she had, she decided to cook her last meal. There was no worry in her conversation with Elijah. She was not afraid of death, for her faith teaches her the absence from this world is to be present in His presence.

4. Gracious heart

With gratefulness for what she had; she did not murmur or grumble or weep or lament. When Elijah asked for water, with a delightful heart she went to fetch water.

5. Generous spirit

Water was scarce, as there was no rain. Perhaps, she had to travel a distance to fetch the water or pay a price to buy the water. She was willing to give water though she expressed her inability to provide food.

Promise of God

1. Perfect time

When we can only see the end of the road, God works beyond that to do miracles. When reason is exhausted, faith takes over. For her that was the last meal with limited resources. The future was a mystery if not misery. God sent Elijah just before their last meal.

2. Priority

The widow has to be sure of her priority. When she makes the pancakes, she should make the first small one for the prophet. The Christian journey is not about ‘rags to riches’ but ‘rags to resources.’

3. Provision

Elijah gave the Promise of God that the provision for the season of famine is assured. Until the rain comes, there will be provision.

Challenge

The faith of the Gentile widow and the faith of one of the greatest prophets of Israel meet as the faithfulness of God is demonstrated. Elijah's faith needs the faith of the widow to see God's works. God honors his faithful, even when they have faith of a mustard seed. It is not a debate about a meager mustard seed faith or mighty faith, but the marvelous manifestation of the power and faithfulness of God.