Division: A Study in 1 KingsSample

What does it say?

During a regional famine, God provided for Elijah by a brook in Eastern Israel and later through a widow in Northern Israel, for whom miracles were performed.

What does it mean?

When the kings and people of Israel rejected their God, He withheld rain and even dew from their land. Not only would their crops fail to grow, but their livestock would starve to death, and the predatory animals from the desert would seek food among the populated cities. Elijah made it clear that the famine was not because God was weak or unable to provide for His people. It was because God’s people rejected Him. To demonstrate His power, however, God performed miracles that enabled a widow who was providing for Elijah to have a constant source of food and even raised her son from the dead!

How should I respond?

When circumstances change for the worse, it’s normal to wonder why God is allowing it to happen. We ask questions such as, “What did I do to deserve this?” or “Why won’t God stop this?” The trials we face can be the result of our own actions, the actions of others, or just random circumstances. Whatever the cause, our all-powerful God is not weak or unaware of our suffering. Occasional seasons of suffering can be reminders of what is most important. Take a few minutes now to pray. Ask God to reveal and forgive you of personal sins. Then, talk to Him about the sins of your country. What opportunity will you have today to point those in your community to the Lord and what He is doing?