Date: Monday, 19th October, 2026
Text: 1 Kings 17:1–16
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
One of the remarkable stories in the Bible is the encounter between Elijah, the fiery prophet, and the poor widow of Zarephath. Israel was suffering a severe famine following its idolatry and rebellion against God. The people had turned to Baal, whom they regarded as the god of fertility and rain.
To expose the helplessness of Baal, God sent Elijah to King Ahab to declare a drought that would last three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17). Israel had to learn the hard way that no idol could provide the rain or sustain the land. Whatever takes God’s place in our hearts competes with His glory and must be removed.
As the drought continued, Elijah was first sustained by ravens that brought him bread and meat, while he drank from the brook Cherith (1 Kings 17:2–6). Eventually, the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land (1 Kings 17:7).
Yet, the drying brook did not mean God’s provision had ended. When one channel closed, God directed His servant to another, telling him, “Arise, get thee to Zarephath… behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee” (1 Kings 17:8–9). A dried-up brook does not mean a dried-up God; His resources never run out.
Surprisingly, God chose a poor widow rather than a wealthy person to sustain His prophet. God is not limited by human resources, status, or expectations. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us, God chooses the weak things of the world to confound the mighty. If God could use ravens and a poor widow, He can use anyone to fulfil His purpose and bring blessings into your life.
Prayer Nugget: Father, deliver me from every form of idolatry and help me to give You first place in my life. Open my eyes to recognize Your appointed channels of help, and make me obedient to Your instructions, in Jesus’ mighty name.
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