The Invisibles and the Forgottenနမူနာ

The widow of Zarephath

In 1 Kings 17:8-24 we encounter one of the most invisible people in that society, the widow of Zarephath. A woman alone with her son in the middle of a severe drought and famine. She was about to cook her last meal when Elijah showed up.

“Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So, he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” 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.” Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said, but first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me; and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land." She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So, there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 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.” ‭‭1 Kings ‭17‬:‭8-‭16‬, NIV

In those times, and currently in many places around the world, widows were neglected. In some cultures, they are considered responsible for their husbands’ deaths. It was almost impossible to obtain income without someone to sustain them. She had lost hope of surviving the famine and was ready to face starvation after this last meal. It’s important to note that, just like Ebed-Melek, she was not an Israelite. The timing in which God showed up in her life was astounding when she had nothing left.

God had seen and chosen her, though she had no one to support her, to supply food for the prophet. She believed the words and instructions of the prophet, and God in turn provided for her family. It’s possible you feel like the widow. Maybe you have been giving for years, yet no one sustains or gives to you. You are living with the little you have left. Hope has all but disappeared; you face life a day at a time, but each day could potentially be your last.

As a single mother, this woman’s story resonates with me. On many occasions, I have felt like I reached the end of my sustenance. I feel exhausted, wasted, and forgotten, even by close friends who disappeared in my worst moments. Alone, facing a famine that devoured my hope. Then, what lesson can we learn from the widow? Bless those God brings your way.

Often, God brings other invisibles into our lives when we feel most useless. They can be people others don’t care for, remember, or worry about their sustenance. Those are people He sends our way so we can bless and encourage them, even when we feel weak and think our jars are empty.

Anonymity and scarcity can lead us to believe we have nothing to offer. Yet, when we share the little, we have left to support others; God ensures our flour does not run out and our oil does not run dry. He fills our “jars” every day, no matter how empty they seem to be. The widow teaches us to look beyond our needs in order to believe that God’s word and promises will not fail. Pay attention to the people God brings into your life and how you can be a blessing to them. Our mathematical equations say that if we give the little we have, we will run out and have nothing left. But in God’s mathematics, the more we give, the more we get.

Ask God to show you the needs of those around you. Don’t focus on what you don’t have, focus on believing God when He asks you to give a little more to help someone, He brings your way. You are not invisible to God, on the contrary, you are a powerful instrument in His hands. There may be someone struggling with loneliness that you can invite for a home-cooked meal. Or you could bring flowers to an elderly woman and listen as she shares stories about her life.

You could prepare a meal for someone who’s sick or visit a hospital to speak with patients who have no relatives or visitors. You could offer to babysit the children of a tired mother so that she can take a break. There are so many opportunities, just ask God to show you where you can be a blessing. When you give from the little you have left, your “flour and oil” are multiplied. Your strength is renewed. You are encouraged. Your empty jars are filled miraculously by the Holy Spirit. You have a lot to offer, you are not invisible or forgotten. The truth is God has chosen you; He said you are the light and salt of the world, and He will show you how to be just that. Bless those God puts in your path.

Prayer

Father, I have thought many times I have nothing to offer. That my talents and abilities are not needed or are insufficient. Forgive me for not valuing what you have given me and for doubting I can be an instrument in your hands. Jesus, I ask that you open my spiritual eyes to notice the people you bring into my life so that I can be a blessing to them. Help me be aware of other’s needs and to share even that which might seem insignificant to me. Holy Spirit, give me discernment to understand where you want to use me and where I can be a light. I am willing; I want to believe and obey your Words. In Jesus’ name, amen.