1 Kings 17: 14-16

“¹⁴For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.” ¹⁵She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.”

Elijah heeds the Word of the Lord, as he flees from King Ahab and Jezebel, to go to the home of a widow. Yet when he enters her home, she discloses her meager supplies. Just a bit of oil and enough for meal for just her and her son, a last meal. God’s grace breaks through, in Elijah words to this widow they instead live. The miracle of sustenance provides for them all. I wonder what Elijah and this woman dreamed of next when their basic needs were met? I wonder what strength she found in his unexpected encounter and restoration of faith? How did she thank God?

Prayer

Delivering God, how can we creatures say thanks when you can for us so? How can we see your presence when we face despair in our own lives? May you indeed be presence in the people around us, maybe even in unexpected visitors. May we cling to that hope, now and always as your people, Amen.