In a time of economic downturn/depression/struggle it may seem strange to be talking about giving our finances away. Giving to churches, other ministries, and businesses that are promoting Kingdom values can stretch us when gasoline, groceries, electricity and other costs of living are steadily climbing. “How am I supposed to give to God when I can’t feed my family?” I expect that is what the widow of Zarephath thought when the Prophet Elijah asked for her last bit of food.
“Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”
But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”
But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”
So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.” (1 Kings 17:8-16 NLT)
For that starving mom to give all she had left to another would have been a huge act of faith. Even Elijah’s reassurance to “not be afraid” because “there will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the rains come again” would seem like a stretch. When you are facing down starvation, it’s not easy to share.
Yet she does.
She takes the risk for herself and her son. She gives Elijah the food. And God comes through. God provides. In fact, “there was always enough flour and oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.”
God keeps his promises.
I read this recently and was challenged to rethink ways in which our family gives. “Think outside the box and be selective, strategic and intentional with where you give….”
“God is stirring up the hearts of His people to be intentional with their giving during this time. God is shining a light on corruption, and as this is being exposed and new things come to light, those that are generous in the Kingdom of God want to be strategic in what they sow into.
“Watch as God works on your heart to highlight certain businesses or ministries that are doing Kingdom work. He may be inviting you to buy from them (businesses) or sow into them (ministries). Think outside the box and be selective, strategic and intentional with where you give. God will bless your generosity, amplifying it and pouring it out on you and the recipient of your gift! 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “…Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” Therefore, be generous!
“If God is highlighting Kingdom business and ministries to you, pay attention! He will give you a revelation about where to give and who to sow into.
“Watch as God brings businesses and ministries across your path. By sowing into these ministries and businesses, you will be advancing the Kingdom. God will bless your gift and you for giving! If you really believe in what they do, be intentional to tell others about them!” – Anne Ballard*
Providing God,
Thank you for providing for us. Thank you for spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical food that nourishes us. Give us hearts, eyes, and ears of faith to see where you call us to invest in your Kingdom and then to willingly and generously give and sow into those places. Give us faith to trust you to provide for us when we follow your leading. Give us wisdom to be selective, strategic, and intentional with our giving so that we, like the widow at Zarephath, will have a testimony of your goodness and faithfulness. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
*https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=27758#word-truncate