THE MULTIPLYING GENEROSITY OF GOD
“As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
1 Kings 17:12 (NIV)
Today’s passage teaches us that God can make something out of what seems to be nothing. He takes what we have and makes it more.
A drought had struck the land, and Elijah found himself by a dried-up brook. God tells him to travel several miles where he’ll meet a widow who will provide him with food. This had to have been a confusing set of directions! But Elijah’s next move was an act of faith. He does as he’s told and locates the widow. When Elijah asks for water and bread, the widow reveals her dire situation. I don’t have any bread, she said. What? I thought God would use the woman to give bread to Elijah.
Elijah encourages her not to fear but to trust in God’s provision, first preparing food for Elijah and then for herself and her son. Though the widow assumes this will be the last meal she and her son will have, God has a different outcome in mind. The jar of flour and the jug of oil do not run empty. God continues to fill both containers with what was needed to bake more bread, not just for that meal, but for the duration of the drought.
God is a multiplying God. Jesus fed more than 5,000 people with 12 baskets of leftovers from 5 loaves and 2 fish given to him by a boy! (John 6:1-14). Every good seed we plant reaps a harvest far greater. (Matthew 13:8). God takes what we have and makes it more.
APPLICATION: Trust God to take what you have and multiply it. Give to someone in need and be on the lookout for how God provides.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your abundant love and provision. Help me to give freely, knowing that You always provide. Let my generosity reflect Your heart and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?