THE POWER TO PROVIDE
Have you ever felt that there was no earthly way you could get through some difficult situation? When I was caring for my terminally ill mother, a family situation made it so that I was the sole care provider for two days and two nights just as my mother’s condition worsened. I caught only catnaps during that time. Exhausted, I prayed: “Lord, I cannot go on like this. Please send help.”
An hour later, a dear friend of my mother called. She said that for about an hour we had been in her thoughts constantly. She offered to pay a nurse to stay for the next two nights so that I could get some rest. Some would argue that it was a coincidence, but I believe that help was literally a godsend. There was no earthly way I could have continued to give appropriate care, so heaven intervened.
In our lesson, the woman decides to make one last meal before she and her son prepare to die of starvation. There is barely enough meal and oil for them, and then Elijah asks to eat first. The woman’s obedience allows God to show his mercy and his power. And Elijah’s faith later restores the son to health.
Why not let God do that for you? Like the parent of an adult child, God won’t barge into your life and intervene unless you invite him.
Loving Father, remind me of your power to provide exactly what I need. I’m hungry spiritually. I beg you to feed me and to provide for all people in need. Amen.
