Trusting God in Times of Scarcity: Lessons from the Widow of Zarephath
" The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah ." – 1 Kings 17:16 (ESV) In a world that often feels uncertain and filled with scarcity, the story of the Widow of Zarephath stands as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, provision, and care for His people. Found in 1 Kings 17:8-16, this account is more than just a historical event—it is a timeless lesson on faith, obedience, and the sovereignty of God. For those of us who hold to the literal truth of Scripture, this story speaks directly to our hearts, challenging us to trust God even when circumstances seem impossible. A Test of Faith in Desperate Times During a severe drought in Israel—a judgment from God for the nation’s idolatry under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel—the prophet Elijah was sent by God to Zarephath, a town outside Israel. There, at the town gate, he met a widow who was gathering sticks to prepare a final meal for herself ...