OCTOBER 22, 1 Kings 17:10-24 

God directed His prophet, Elijah to go to Zarephath and there he met a widow who was gathering sticks. Elijah asked the widow for some water and she promptly went to fetch some. Then Elijah asked for a morsel of bread. Because of drought (no rain) and famine (no food), the widow only had a handful of flour and a little oil left, which she planned to make a last meal for herself and her son before they both die of hunger when they run out of food. Elijah said unto her, “Fear not; go and do as thou has said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and thy son” (1 Kings 17:13). The widow obeyed. Because of her faith and obedience, the Lord rewarded her. Her food supply never ran out until the day God sent rain upon the earth to end the drought and famine.

One day the widow’s little son fell ill and died. Elijah carried the child to his bed in the guest chamber. Elijah prayed, then stretched himself three times upon the child and cried out to the Lord God to revive him. God answered Elijah’s prayer. The widow’s son was brought back to life! How happy the widow must have been! Do you turn to God in prayer in times of trouble? Let us follow Elijah’s example to pray faithfully for God’s guidance.

Dear children, do you realise that we experience the first miracle everyday? Every day God provides food for us. Although man may think it is his own power and wealth that brings food to the table, we must remember it is God’s goodness that He continues to flourish the earth.

That is why we must be thankful for the food and give thanks, or say “grace” before eating.

How about the second miracle? Know that God is able to answer our prayers according to His will. We need to have the faith to believe. The widow of Zarephath believed that God was able to raise her son back from the dead if He so willed. God through Elijah, restored her son back to life. Let us be like the widow of Zarephath and exercise faith in God’s power when we come before Him with our prayers and petitions.

Thought: God is able to answer our prayers according to His will.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to exercise faith when I come before You with my prayers and petitions. Thank You for all Thy goodness and provisions. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.