Session 4

Will you trust God to provide?

From The Overflowing Life: A 14-Day Devotional

Who do we trust when life is difficult? Where do we turn when the bills pile up, a relationship is struggling, or a friend is in pain?

Most of the time, we look to ourselves. We set a plan in motion to fix the situation. The result is often hopelessness, frustration, and defeat.

When the widow of Zarephath was out of food, she came up with a plan. She could see no end to the drought, so she used her last provisions to cook one final meal. They would eat, and then they would die.

Thankfully, God doesn’t leave us to find our own way out of tough situations. God had a better plan for this widow and sent His prophet to share it with her. But the plan must have sounded a little crazy.

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” (1 Kings 17:13).

Elijah then assured her the flour and oil would not empty until the drought was over. Hearing Elijah’s words, the widow had a choice to make. She could trust God, feed Elijah first, and believe in God’s provision. Or, she could trust herself.

The widow trusted God and was blessed with food to last through the drought. God saw beyond what her mind could comprehend and her eyes could see. He saw the whole of her life when she could only see the moment. The widow lived a life of overflow when she let God’s Spirit lead.

Did the widow have a part to play in the miracle? Yes. She listened and obeyed. The same is true for us today. If we’ll listen to God’s voice and do what He says, we’ll see Him provide for us and through us, just as He promises (Philippians 4:19).

Reflect:

• Are you facing a situation that seems hopeless?
• What is God asking you to do? Has anything been holding you back from obedience?
• How have you seen God provide in the past when you trusted in Him?