The Jars Did Not Run Out By Kendy Bowman

Lord, give us what we need…just for today.

This is my prayer on most mornings. I am learning to live life again after being unexpectedly widowed in 2022. Single income, solo parenthood, loneliness, and fatigue are now part of my daily reality. Looking too far into the future can cause anxiety and fear.

“Lord, how are we going to make it?” On paper, it does not make sense. Yet the Lord has continued to provide every step of the way. Not only from a financial perspective, but He also provides courage, peace, and even joy.

Perhaps you have felt the crushing weight of anxiety, or even fear. Inflation has caused an increase in the price of almost everything. Stress levels are at record highs. Life feels uncertain. People are suffering. It can feel like too much to carry.

In our most vulnerable times, this is where God meets us. Faith does not fail us, even when it seems our resources will.

1 Kings 17:13–14
Elijah said to her,
“Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread
for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself
and your son.
For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says:
‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the
Lord sends rain on the land.’”

To give some context, Elijah, an Israelite prophet, was sent to share a message with the evil king of Israel, Ahab, in Samaria. He was obedient and delivered the message that a years-long drought was coming. Afterward, the Lord told Elijah to hide in a ravine, relying on ravens to feed him, which they did. When the brook dried up, the Lord gave him another instruction: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.”

Zarephath was not a city of believers. In fact, just the opposite. This was a city known for worshipping Baal, an evil and false idol. This widow was likely not a strong believer. In fact, when Elijah arrived, she was gathering sticks for her and her son. The drought was so significant, she planned to make this last meal, and then they would die.

Elijah asked her for some water and bread.

She responded, “As surely as your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug.”

This is where Elijah says:

“Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said…”

And ends with:

“ ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run
dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ”

God did exactly as He said. He provided bread and water for the three of them each day. The containers did not run out, even though it did not make logical sense. They did not live in abundance, but the Lord provided enough one day at a time.

Through Elijah’s journey and through the widow’s circumstances, God shows us that He can be trusted to provide.

God later used Elijah to raise that widow’s son from the dead. Fast forward to the New Testament, and she is mentioned in Jesus’ first sermon in Luke 4.

When your circumstances seem heavy and the anxiety sets in. Set some time aside to sit with the Lord. Ask Him to provide, and be specific in your prayers. Ask God to give you what you need…if only for today.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for being our source of strength. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide us. Replace the anxiety, the worry, the fear in our minds and in our hearts with Your overwhelming peace. Give us what we need today, and the confidence to trust that our future is in Your hands.