Will We Answer?
What do you do to be involved in the community?
This prompt was a personal “call to action” in an area I’ve neglected for a while. I went from actively serving and participating in many non-profit efforts, to retreating completely. Personal rough patches usurped community outreach. Clearly, it’s time to get back in the field!
“Getting over yourself” when knee deep in a slump is no easy feat. When consumed by hardships, it can be challenging to see anything outside of those circumstances. It’s been said that tough moments are opportune times to give of one’s self, time or resources. It’s the physical part of the Living Sacrifice we’re admonished to act upon. To whomever this post also applies, now may be a good time to pray and consider ways to serve others or volunteer within reasonable capacity.
Giving on Empty
While writing this post, two scriptures came to mind. First, Luke 6:38 where Jesus declares the reciprocal benefits of benevolent acts. Second, the story of the widow in 1 Kings 17:7-16 where a woman shared what she believed to be her ‘last meal’ with the prophet Elijah in during a famine. Though initially fearful, her obedience unlocked a miracle that relieved her worries and provided sustenance beyond her imagination. Obedience with little became much for a widow that saw no way out of her circumstance.
Click Bait To A Good Place!
God knows exactly what to place in front of us to get our attention. When we can break free from our own thoughts long enough to hear that “still small voice”, discernment sharpens, perception expands and doors open. When we become focused enough to see, and open enough to receive, we may learn that God doesn’t resolve our concerns in the ways we think He would. God’s way is perfect— even if it seems illogical or uncomfortable. God’s instructions may surprise us. Upon receiving divine guidance, we may initially say, “Huh?” — “I’m sorry, what?” Or “Um…Lord is that you?”.
We might make this face:
There’s an old saying, “if you can “huh”, you can hear!” Whatever God reveals, will be the next right move!
When God— who is all knowing, and all powerful—- answers us with holy wisdom, insight, and instructions, it will produce more than we could ever imagine. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s “thoughts are not our thoughts— neither are his ways our ways…”.
Meals & Miracles
In 1 Kings 17, God told Elijah where his provision would come from. Prior to meeting the widow, God instructed Elijah to hide himself by the brook and to drink water there. God also commanded ravens to bring Elijah bread and meat after announcing to King Ahab that there would be famine in the land. When the brook dried up due to lack of rain, God instructed Elijah to leave where he was and go to the new place of provision where God commanded a widow to provide for his sustenance.
God didn’t send Elijah to a fully stocked pantry. The widow was struggling. The scriptures says that she had “a hand full of meal” and a little bit of oil. She was worn mentally, emotionally and financially. In her mind, it was over. She’d given up and resolved to use the last of her efforts and resources to prepare, and consume what she believed would be her and her child’s final meal. Logically, the situation looked crazy. Spiritually— it was perfect, divine alignment for a greater plan, and for God’s glory.
In that moment of what appeared to be mutual struggle— an opportunity for blessings, transformation, and increase presented itself. Long before the widow was aware, God sent the answer to her troubles through a man’s need and her willing service. God required her skill, a small portion of her resources and hospitality to bless His servant. God sent Elijah to the woman He assigned to bless him out of the little she had—so that God, Himself could multiply it.
A Prophet’s Reward: From Broke To An Entrepreneur
Naturally, asking a struggling person for prioritized help seems outlandish— but it was God’s way to increase. As I read the scriptures, the order of events stood out most. Elijah asked the woman to “bake him a little cake” first— before she prepared the meal for her and her son. The widow informed Elijah of her scarce resources. Though the widow was initially concerned, she acted in faith at the prophet’s word, once assured that more would follow her generosity.
The widow’s willingness and obedience opened the floodgates of provision to sustain her way beyond that moment. God blessed her through the prophet Elijah with an abundant flow of oil to sell and create income during the famine. The woman barely had enough but when she gave of what she had, abundance followed.
Sometimes, God’s solution may seems like a sacrifice early on. At times, God’s answer requires a “faith action”or decision in the unknown—with an outcome we don’t control. Either way, it’s all for our good (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust the process.
- When life is “life-ing”. Pray and serve or volunteer.
- Give as God leads even if you have little. God can multiply it, open doors, and change your life and circumstances in one moment.
- Follow the Holy Spirit. Even if you can’t see the whole picture, God can. When God reveals the next instruction obey.
SOURCE REFERENCES
James 2:14-26, 1 Kings 17:7-16, 1 Kings 19:11-13, Jeremiah 29:11, Luke 6:38, Biblegateway.com
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