One Person at a Time.

“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.’ And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.” (1 Kings 17:14-16, ESV) As we ponder the meeting between Elijah the prophet and the widow in Zarephath we might think it a small matter. Yet this event is rich in significance. It shows us God’s concern for individuals, for the poor and the suffering people of the world, a concern we must share. In addition, the story shows us that despite whatever trials the Lord may allow us to endure, persecution, sickness, pain and even death, He will carry those who are in Christ through them all. We should take God at His word. He has not forgotten His saints. He has always fulfilled His promises; He has always kept his word. We should cling to this great hope even as we see evil all around us triumphing and prevailing, though we see evil men prospering, while the saints cry out “How Long O Lord?” we need not despair. The Lord has heard the cry. He is at work combating and defeating evil. He uses us to fight this battle, to bring light in the darkness of the world. We don’t have to be great evangelists, or great preachers who speak to vast audiences. We bless others by being kind and merciful to them, by doing good deeds, acts of common courtesy, by giving our time, presence, material goods and money to help the poor, and by telling them about Jesus and the hope that is found only in Him. We believe Him, we trust Him, so let us obey Him. Let us ask Him to give us the wisdom, strength and guidance to be a blessing to everyone we meet, one person at a time.