In the first reading today from 1 Kings 17, we see a story of Elijah and a widow. Then in the Gospel reading, Jesus commends a widow for her donation.
At the beginning of a terrible drought, God sent Elijah to the Wadi Cherith, where ravens were commanded to bring food to the prophet. God provided. But in time, with no rain, the brook ran dry. But God wasn’t done providing for the prophet. So he sends Elijah to a widow in Zarephath. She is getting ready to prepare what she believes will be the last meal for herself and her son. She has only enough flour and oil left for this last small meal. But the prophet tells her to feed him as well, saying, “Do no be afraid.” He assures her that God will provide. And He does. The jar of flour and the jug of oil do not run dry for an entire year.
God provides. Granted, He may not always provide in the way that we think He should, or even can. But He does. We must simply trust. The widow did not have to believe Elijah. She could have walked away and refused to feed him, thinking him some kind of nut. But she trusted. And Elijah trusted. And the widow at the temple trusted. And God delivered. Have you ever been at a place in your life where you thought God could not or would not provide? Yet He did…because here you are today.
Father, strengthen our trust in you. Help us to remember that you will always provide for us, even in what seems the most dire of circumstances. Thank you, God. Amen.
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