A Widow Running On Empty

Welcome to WCP, although that's always awkward to say, because I'm sure we'd rather not meet this way if you're widowed. However, I am glad you're here and hope you'll find some benefit. Wednesday is the day for widows' stories, whether they come from history, the Bible or among ourselves.

I Kings 17:7-16 "The Widow of Zarephath"

I encourage you to read the Scripture passage, and I'll give a little bit of background for you. This story is from the Old Testament but I think you'll be surprised at how relevant it can be for widows today.


"Zarephath" was a coastal village between north of Israel, in Phoenicia. This widow wasn't an Israelite; she lived in the heart of idol worship country but by her works we know she trusted the Lord Jehovah.

During a drought the prophet Elijah came through her town and said “Feed me before you use the last of your food for yourself and your son.” Instead of saying, "What? Are you crazy? I can't let us starve to death! Hit the road!" she used the last of her ingredients to bake him a little cake of bread.

After that though, oddly enough, she found enough ingredients to make some more for her son and herself. They'd live another day. Day after day she’d bake more bread to feed Elijah, herself and her son. She would use the last of her reserves and resources every day, but with each new day there was always more. Always enough.

Do you use up the last of your reserves every day? When you go to bed each night are you running on empty? So was this widow. But each new day brought her what she needed to survive. Her little bit of trust in God was renewed each day. God always provided just enough.

I think this widow would agree with Lamentations 3:22, 23 which says, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!" Day after day God provides for us day by day. Not always more than we need, but we can be thankful it's never less than we need.

♥ ferree