Date: Wednesday, 21st October, 2026
Text: 1 Kings 17:8–16; Proverbs 11:24–25
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
The widow of Zarephath was tested before she experienced her miracle. Even when she had only enough flour and oil for her last meal with her son, Elijah asked her to make a small cake for him first. This was a difficult test of faith for a vulnerable widow who believed that she and her son would eat and die. Yet, she obeyed the word of the Lord through His prophet, and her obedience became the gateway to supernatural provision. Sometimes, our faith is tested not when we have much to give, but when what we have appears insufficient for our own needs.
The Bible declares, “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also” (Proverbs 11:24–25). God’s kingdom operates by principles that often contradict human reasoning. While the world teaches us to hold tightly to what we have, God’s Word teaches us the blessings of generosity, compassion, and giving. The person who refreshes others will also receive refreshing from the Lord.
Some people use poverty as their reason for refusing to give towards God’s kingdom and the advancement of His work. However, you do not have to be rich before you learn to give. Human wants are insatiable; therefore, if you find it difficult to give to God’s cause when you have little, you may find it even more difficult when you have much.
Sacrificing for God’s cause is not merely a function of how much you possess, but also of how liberal your soul is. However, our giving should be willing, sincere, and proportionate to what we have (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The widow’s experience teaches us to trust God even when our resources seem inadequate. Let your giving be an expression of love, gratitude, and faith, rather than a transaction motivated by the desire to get something from God. A generous heart gives according to its faith and capacity, trusting God as its ultimate source.
Action Nugget: Examine your attitude towards giving today. Identify one practical way to support God’s work or meet the need of someone around you, according to your ability.
Bible in One Year: Luke 1–2