Four Kinds of Giving – Part 2

For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.’ 1 Kings 17:14

Devastating famine has swept out the land. Wiped out your livestock. Destroyed all you relied on. And then Elijah, this major prophet guy, turns up – God has sent him your way. I can’t put him up for the night unless I split this one portion of food I have left. Alright God, thank you for this opportunity. I really doubt what I have is anywhere near enough. But I want to trust you with my life – so I’m going to use the little I have to feed him too. Amen…?

Most of us have times when we feel that what we have is simply not enough. Often, no matter how much we cut back, our cash outgoings always slightly exceeds our income. In these moments, after that bill has finally been paid, the thought of giving away what little we have left seems simply insane. And if you haven’t reached that stage where you’re earning money – firstly, enjoy this stage while it lasts! Also, take note of this reading; it might turn out pretty important later on. And in the meantime, with what money you are given, I figure the same lessons apply…

When we give away the little we have, the door is left wide open for a miracle. For the woman in today’s passage, she faced her fear and fed Elijah, and the flour inexplicably just kept on coming. We’re called by God to manage what we’ve got to the best of our ability and that means trusting God with it, all, rather than clinging on anxiously, even to the bit that’s left.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, even when it seems like I have little – you can do miraculous things through that little that is Yours. Help me to trust You in this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen