Bible Verse: 1 Kings 17:15-16

15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.

The widow of Zarephath is a woman from the Bible, specifically mentioned in the Book of 1 Kings. During a time of famine, God told the prophet Elijah to visit Zarephath of Sidon where he encountered the widow. She was preparing what she believed would be her last meal for herself and her son, as they were running out of food and would die soon. Elijah asked her for water and bread, and despite her limited resources, she obeyed. In return for her act of faith and kindness, Elijah promised that her jar of flour and jug of oil would not run out until the Lord sent rain on the land and the famine was over. This miracle occurred as promised, and she, her son, and Elijah were sustained throughout the drought. Later, her son became ill and died, but Elijah prayed to God, and the boy was miraculously brought back to life. This story is often cited as an example of faith and the miraculous provision of God during times of hardship. It also highlights the theme of God’s care for the widows and the poor, and the power of hospitality and generosity.

The Lesson: The widow of Zarephath’s story teaches us the power of faith and generosity in times of need. Even when she had very little, she trusted a stranger’s promise from God and shared her last meal. This act of kindness and trust led to a miracle that kept her and her son fed during a famine. Her story encourages us to be generous and to have faith that our needs will be met, when we trust in God to provide. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the act of giving with an obedient heart, even when we have little to give, can lead to unexpected abundance and blessings in our lives.