It Will Not Run Dry

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 17:15

This verse is from the story of the Widow at Zarepahath (for the full story, read: 1 Kings 17:7-16). Elijah the prophet came upon a widow and her son and asked her for something to eat. At first, the widow hesitated because she was down to the last of her supply of flour and oil. In these times, a widow could not count on anyone to support or feed her. She was usually forced to fend for herself and survive on whatever means was left to her by her deceased husband. In these times, the widow was considered by her society as "already dead" along with her husband... although she is very much alive.

This story touches me because the widow tells Elijah: "... I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it - and die." (1 Kings 17:12). This was literally the last of what she had to live on, but Elijah instead called her to trust in the Lord and to instead provide him with something to eat. In return, God provides the widow with an abundance that "will not run dry" so that she may live.

How many times have you encountered hardship, but still continue to survive? That is the hand of God intervening and providing for you ... a means in hard times. Never forget that it is the Lord who provides for us. Though we may be in tough times, it is He who gives us the means to live.