A NEW COMMAND - NEW CIRCUMSTANCES - NEW TEST What would God tell Elijah to do next? God waited until the brook had run dry and then he spoke, "Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there." But that was in the country where Jezebel's father was king and Elijah wasn't very popular with Jezebel or Ahab. Could God protect him there? How would God provide for him in a strange country? "I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food." So Elijah started walking the 60 or more miles, straight across Ahab's kingdom. Did Elijah expect a rich widow, a large house and servants? He found a younger woman, who had given up hope. She must have known God, as she recognized Elijah belonged to him. But her eyes were not on God; they were on the almost empty barrel and the bottle of oil. How can we paraphrase what Elijah told her to do? "If you will do what I am asking you, if you will trust me and trust my God, you will have a lasting supply for both you and your boy." That is exactly what happened. The miracle of supply was amazing. God did not send sufficient for a year all at once. Every day what the three of them used was there. Every new day saw the same amount replaced in the barrel and the jar. Living with God is a day by day experience, but He is always sufficient for each new day. How long was Elijah there? Two years. More than 720 days. Where was he? In enemy's territory. Whose home was he in? A widow's. One who had almost nothing. Did God fulfill His promise? Yes, everyday. Is He still the same today? Yes, He is. No matter your circumstances, He has promised to be with you, always, even to the end of the age. |
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