Food in Famine
by Rev. Myrl Eddings
I Kings 17 tells the amazing story
of the prophet Elijah as he pronounced an imminent drought in all
Israel. The subplot consists of a widow who was unable to take
care of herself and her son. The miracle of the meal barrel was
performed as a result of her faith and obedience to the man of God.
Still, her confidence was not solidified until Elijah resurrected her
son by the power of the Lord, as evidenced by her own words…"now
I know you're a man of God".
It's easy to overlook the wonders of the Lord
that are already manifest before us. Both similarities and
contrasts existed between the widow and the prophet. Having been spoken
to by God himself, Elijah went to the brook Kidron to be sustained day
in and day out by a raven--an unclean bird! Following the brook
drying up, he was commanded to go to Zarephath so that a poor widow
could provide for him. Unwavering in his faith, he obeyed
the Lord and escaped starvation at the hand of one of the most
vulnerable members of society. The widow played a crucial role in the
initial step of faith.
Obedience is essential in the life of the
believer. Sooner or later, we'll all experience a famine of
one kind or another. We must learn to sow good seeds of faith in
times of lack as well as in times of plenty. This may mean
that we'll be required to surrender the one thing we've counted on for
our survival so that our seed won't become our harvest.
If the widow had decided to disobey Elijah
directives, she'd have found herself and her son on the brink of death
in spite of the prophet's presence and assurance that she would live.
While the faithfulness of the Lord is unconditional, His promises to us
are not. The Bible is filled with conditions for blessings.
Deuteronomy 28 strongly admonished the Jews, that, if they would
be willing and obedient, they would eat of the good of the land.
Curses, however lay in store for the rebellious of heart.
Scripture reveals that we'll draw from wells
of salvation. The cycle of life in God naturally issues more
of His Spirit on occasion so that we can survive in moments of
necessity. Our cisterns must remain in good repair that the
showers of God's Spirit can be held safely in reservoirs. We need
to be discerning as well to deny entrance to corrupt influences that
would taint our vessels. Many are those sent by the enemy to
stop the wells of the Lord or make our water bitter as James warned.
Fortunately, the land of Israel was recipient
to the grace of God. Elijah finally forecast rain for the region.
Multitudes were desperate for relief, while the faithful waited with
expectation for the hand of God to supply their needs. Christians
today can have the same anticipation of sustenance.
Confidence in the Lord will never lead to disappointment, but
unfaithfulness will bring shame.
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