Faith, Sacrifice, and God's Provision in Trials

Devotional

Day 1: Unselfishness in Service

The widow of Zarephath's story is a profound example of unselfishness and sacrifice. Despite her dire circumstances, she chose to prioritize the needs of Elijah, God's servant, over her own. This act of selflessness is a powerful reminder of the call to serve others, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Her willingness to give what little she had is a testament to her faith and trust in God's provision. As we reflect on her story, we are challenged to consider how we can serve others with the same spirit of sacrifice, trusting that God will meet our needs as we step out in faith. [05:00]

1 Kings 17:13-14 (ESV): "And Elijah said to her, 'Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, "The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth."'"

Reflection: Who in your life can you serve selflessly today, trusting that God will provide for your needs as you do so?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Abundance

The miracle of the never-ending flour and oil in the widow's story teaches us about trusting in God's provision. In a time of scarcity, God turned what seemed like a meager supply into an abundant resource. This miracle is a reminder that when we obey and trust in God, He meets our needs in ways we cannot imagine. It challenges us to have faith in God's ability to provide, even when our circumstances seem bleak. As we reflect on this story, we are encouraged to trust in God's promises and His ability to turn our scarcity into abundance. [07:23]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God for provision, and how can you take a step of faith today to demonstrate that trust?

Day 3: Obedience Brings Blessings

The widow's immediate obedience to Elijah's request led to her experiencing God's miraculous provision. Her story illustrates the principle that obedience in small things prepares us for greater challenges and blessings. When we choose to obey God, even in seemingly insignificant matters, we open the door for His blessings in our lives. This story encourages us to be attentive to God's voice and to respond with obedience, trusting that He has greater things in store for us. [09:24]

Luke 11:28 (ESV): "But he said, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!'"

Reflection: What small act of obedience is God calling you to today, and how can you take a step to follow through on it?

Day 4: Trials as Preparation

The trials we face are often God's way of preparing us for greater challenges. The widow's faith was tested, but through her obedience and trust, she witnessed God's faithfulness. Our current trials are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. As we navigate difficult times, we can be assured that God is using these experiences to strengthen our faith and prepare us for what lies ahead. This perspective encourages us to embrace our trials with hope and confidence in God's plan. [17:59]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: How can you view your current trials as opportunities for growth, and what steps can you take to trust God more deeply through them?

Day 5: God's Intimate Care

The story of the widow of Zarephath reminds us that God is intimately aware of our burdens and cares for us deeply. He provided for the widow's needs in a miraculous way, demonstrating His personal care and concern. This assurance of God's presence and provision is a source of comfort and strength in our struggles. As we reflect on this story, we are reminded that we are never alone, and that God is always with us, providing comfort and assurance in our times of need. [26:12]

Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: What burden are you carrying today that you need to entrust to God's care, and how can you seek His comfort and assurance in this situation?

Sermon Summary

In these challenging times, with the world facing pandemics, natural disasters, and personal trials, we find solace in the stories of faith from the Bible. Reflecting on the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, we see a powerful example of God's provision and faithfulness. Elijah, during a time of drought, was sent by God to a widow who was on the brink of despair, with only enough flour and oil for one last meal. Yet, through her obedience and unselfishness, she witnessed a miracle: her supplies never ran out until the drought ended. This story teaches us about the importance of faith, sacrifice, and obedience.

The widow's willingness to serve Elijah, despite her dire circumstances, highlights her unselfish nature. She prioritized the needs of God's servant over her own, demonstrating a spirit of sacrifice that is rare and commendable. This mirrors the call for us to step out of our comfort zones and serve others, trusting that God will provide for our needs. Her story is a testament to the fact that when we obey God in small things, He prepares us for greater challenges and blessings.

The widow's experience also reminds us of the importance of faith in the face of trials. Just as she trusted Elijah's words, we are called to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is with us in every situation. Her story is a powerful reminder that God sees our hearts and chooses us for His purposes, just as He chose her among many widows.

In our own lives, we may face various trials, but these are opportunities for God to demonstrate His faithfulness. As we trust in Him, we can be assured that He will meet our needs, both material and spiritual. Our faith and obedience can lead to greater blessings and a deeper relationship with God.

Key Takeaways

1. Unselfishness and Sacrifice: The widow's willingness to serve Elijah, despite her own needs, exemplifies true unselfishness and sacrifice. This challenges us to prioritize serving others, trusting that God will provide for our needs as we step out in faith. [05:00]
2. Faith in God's Provision: The miracle of the never-ending flour and oil teaches us to trust in God's provision. When we obey and trust Him, He meets our needs in ways we cannot imagine, turning scarcity into abundance. [07:23]
3. Obedience Leads to Greater Blessings: The widow's immediate obedience to Elijah's request led to her experiencing God's miraculous provision. Our obedience in small things prepares us for greater challenges and blessings. [09:24]
4. Preparation for Greater Trials: The trials we face are God's way of preparing us for greater challenges. Just as the widow's faith was tested, our current trials are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. [17:59]
5. God's Personal Care: What matters to us matters to God. He is intimately aware of our burdens and cares for us deeply, providing comfort and assurance that we are never alone in our struggles. [26:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Current Challenges and Comfort
[00:44] - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath
[01:41] - God's Choice and the Widow's Unselfishness
[03:31] - The Miracle of Provision
[05:00] - Lessons in Unselfishness
[07:23] - Trusting God's Provision
[09:24] - Obedience and Blessings
[10:22] - Tests of Faith
[12:17] - Esther's Courage and Purpose
[13:11] - The Boy with Loaves and Fishes
[14:32] - God's Grace and Sufficiency
[16:04] - Miracles and Faith
[17:59] - Preparation for Greater Trials
[20:02] - Trusting in the Lord
[23:29] - God's Plans and Promises
[26:12] - God's Personal Care
[27:19] - Conclusion and Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1 Kings 17:8-16
Luke 4:25-26
2 Samuel 24:24

---

Observation Questions:

What specific instructions did God give Elijah regarding the widow of Zarephath, and how did Elijah respond? ([01:14])
How did the widow of Zarephath initially react to Elijah's request for food and water during the drought? ([02:57])
What miracle did the widow experience as a result of her obedience to Elijah's request? ([03:58])
How does the story of the widow of Zarephath illustrate the concept of unselfishness and sacrifice? ([05:00])

---

Interpretation Questions:

What might have been the reasons God chose this particular widow to provide for Elijah, despite her dire circumstances? ([04:23])
How does the widow's story demonstrate the relationship between faith, obedience, and experiencing God's provision? ([09:24])
In what ways does the widow's willingness to serve Elijah reflect the spirit of sacrifice mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:24? ([09:00])
How does the widow's experience prepare her for greater trials, and what does this suggest about the nature of faith and growth in difficult times? ([17:59])

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone to help someone else. How did that experience impact your faith and trust in God's provision? ([05:16])
The widow trusted Elijah's words and acted in faith. Is there a promise from God that you find difficult to trust? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? ([07:23])
Consider the concept of sacrifice in your life. What is one area where you can practice sacrificial giving or service this week, even if it costs you something? ([09:00])
The widow's trials prepared her for greater challenges. What current trial are you facing that might be preparing you for something greater? How can you embrace this perspective? ([17:59])
How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's personal care in your life, especially in times of struggle or uncertainty? ([26:12])
Identify a specific need in your community or church where you can serve, trusting that God will provide for your needs as you step out in faith. ([05:00])
Reflect on the statement, "What matters to you matters to God." How can this truth change the way you approach your daily concerns and prayers? ([26:12])

Sermon Clips

Reflecting on the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, we see a powerful example of God's provision and faithfulness. Elijah, during a time of drought, was sent by God to a widow who was on the brink of despair, with only enough flour and oil for one last meal. Yet, through her obedience and unselfishness, she witnessed a miracle: her supplies never ran out until the drought ended. [00:44:00]

The widow's willingness to serve Elijah, despite her dire circumstances, highlights her unselfish nature. She prioritized the needs of God's servant over her own, demonstrating a spirit of sacrifice that is rare and commendable. This mirrors the call for us to step out of our comfort zones and serve others, trusting that God will provide for our needs. [00:54:00]

Her story is a testament to the fact that when we obey God in small things, He prepares us for greater challenges and blessings. The widow's immediate obedience to Elijah's request led to her experiencing God's miraculous provision. Our obedience in small things prepares us for greater challenges and blessings. [01:09:24]

The trials we face are God's way of preparing us for greater challenges. Just as the widow's faith was tested, our current trials are opportunities for growth and deeper trust in God. If we are just running with people and we are getting tired, God will bring us to a situation we have to run with horses. [01:17:59]

What matters to us matters to God. He is intimately aware of our burdens and cares for us deeply, providing comfort and assurance that we are never alone in our struggles. Whatever I have on my heart as a burden, He knows about it and He's carrying that burden. [01:26:12]

In our own lives, we may face various trials, but these are opportunities for God to demonstrate His faithfulness. As we trust in Him, we can be assured that He will meet our needs, both material and spiritual. Our faith and obedience can lead to greater blessings and a deeper relationship with God. [01:36:00]

The miracle of the never-ending flour and oil teaches us to trust in God's provision. When we obey and trust Him, He meets our needs in ways we cannot imagine, turning scarcity into abundance. Just keep serving, God will supply your need. [01:43:00]

God's grace is sufficient for us. In another verse which helps me at this time is that everything will work together for our good. All things work together for our good for those who love God. If we make it a point that we love God more than anybody, then everything will work together for our good. [01:50:00]

Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord and whose hope is the Lord's. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters that spreadeth out her roots by the river and shall not see when heat comes. But her leaf shall be green and shall not be careful in the year of drought. [01:59:00]

God has given us that freshness because our roots are connected with the Lord and we are getting sap and freshness from Him. People can't explain but there is that reality, and we know that we are not going to be afraid when the coming days of testings come. [02:10:00]

We are going to stand firm because we are not going to stand by our own strength. Our strength comes from God. We are going to stand firm and we will be more than conquerors. Praise God for that and that's what this miracle of this widow faced spoke to me. [02:20:00]

Let us keep on trusting Him in every situation that we go through. Let us not give way to despair or unbelief. Whatever we have to face, let us hold on to the Lord. Lord, my trust is in You, my confidence is in You. You are not going to forsake me. [02:30:00]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?