1 Kings 17: 7- 24
Elijah was led to a widow who fed him. This widow must have revered the man of God, to have given him the only supply of flour and oil she had to feed her son and herself in a period of drought.
This widow obeyed Elijah and fed him first. Her obedience opened up an abundant supply of her needs. God miraculously supplied her with flour and oil. Sometimes in the midst of gloom, God suddenly shows up, and miraculously announces His presence. To this widow, Elijah the Prophet was God's instrument of blessing in her life.
Just as she was gloating over God's goodness to her, disaster struck - her son died. Have you ever been faced with a situation where just a while ago, you were basking in God's goodness, and then, the very next moment, your entire life appears to be struck by God's angry hand?
The widow had not long before the death of her son, been living a blessed life, with her needs met by God supernaturally. She probably felt very special and loved of God. She was priviledged to have the man of God living in her home. Disaster and trouble appeared afar off.
Suddenly, her whole life came tumbling down. "Is God against me?" We often ask in such circumstances.
Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble. John 14:1
Life is full of ups and downs.
God allows us to face low moments as well as high moments in life. It is very easy to trust and believe God when everything is going right. However, when things appear fuzzy and murky, it is very difficult to ascribe praise to God, or accord Him plaudits.
Sometimes, in life, we may feel as though God has forsaken us. David felt that way in the Book of Psalms. Jesus felt that way on the cross and shouted " Why has thou forsaken me?" Elijah felt that way after he was pursued by Jezebel.
As a Christian, there shall be trying times in life. The widow had hers, and she was blessed to have Prophet Elijah pray for her dead son, bringing him back to life. Stephen in Acts 6, reached such a gloomy point in life. Unfortunately for him, he was stoned to death. But precious was his death in God's sight, so much so that Jesus gave him a standing ovation -
Acts 7: 54-56
When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’
God orders our steps, and if we trust Him, He shall fulfil His purpose for our lives - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.
WHAT IS NEXT?
