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
Notice how God builds faith in us. He starts by bringing us to the end of our own resources. That’s how we learn the difference between us and Him. When we know that we have nothing, then we know that whatever is given us comes from God.
When all hope dies and we cannot see any way out, then God shows us a way. He shows us a door that we didn’t know was there. In the case of this widow and her son, the way out came in the form of doing something reckless — making a meal for a prophet.
The point is that God is in charge of our education. He has each of us in the school of faith. He has a plan for each of us.
Like my daughter said to me when she was five: "Did you know that the only way out of this world is up?"
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.