June 19, 2013

the little bit

I Kings 17:14 “…The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.” (NIV)*

Did her hands shake

as she handed him the bread?

From the corner of her eye

did she see her son languish,

and wonder?

Did hunger pains sear–

churning in a cavernous stomach?

Yet, trusting him, she obeyed

and was blessed.

God provided daily–

just as he said he would.

…..

by Patty Perkins

…..

Elijah asked the widow to make him a cake of bread with the little bit of flour and oil she had. Then, to make one for herself and her son. He said the flour and oil would not run dry until it rained.

She did as he asked. She handed the first cake of bread over to this God-speaking stranger. Everyday there was flour and oil until it rained on the land…just as he had said.

Though difficult, there’s a precious dependence on the Lord in the land of scarcity. The widow was faithful with the little bit she had. That’s all he asks. Then, he goes about the business of providing daily needs. Sigh.

…..

I Kings 17:16 “For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” (NIV)*

…..

I Kings 17:14-16 is in the June 16th reading of The One Year Bible.

About Patty Perkins

I'm Patty, writer of the devotional blog, Beside Quiet Waters. I love writing, reading and taking long walks with my camera. I've been married to my loving husband for 40 years. We have two grown sons, two lovely daughters-in-law, and two amazing grandchildren. I am thankful for a place to share spilled ink, in hopes of encouraging others to find daily hope and inspiration in God's Word. View all posts by Patty Perkins

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 19th, 2013 at 5:00 pm and tagged with bread, Devotional, Elijah, Faith, I Kings, Obedience, Oil, Provision, The One Year Bible, the Word and posted in Devotional. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

8 responses to “the little bit”

Caddo-Jael
June 19th, 2013 at 8:26 pm

I’ve been reading this too–it’s an amazing story. God bless you.

Reply
- Patty Perkins
  June 20th, 2013 at 8:24 am
  
  So glad to have you on this Bible reading journey with me. I, too, love this story of the widow’s faith and God’s provision.
  
  Reply
scriptordeus
June 19th, 2013 at 10:54 pm

I like the sentence “Though difficult, there’s a precious dependence on the Lord in the land of scarcity.” So true, when I’ve experienced scarcity at times in my life Whether physical, emotional or spiritual, God provides at just the right time and with just the right thing. Thanks Patty. I’ve been busy lately and missed reading other blogs.

Reply
- Patty Perkins
  June 20th, 2013 at 8:27 am
  
  Yes, scarcity can be more than financial! Thank you for sharing. It is amazing to see how he provides at “just the right time and with just the right thing”. He knows.
  
  Reply
speakpeacealways
June 20th, 2013 at 12:03 am

Oh for grace to trust the hands that made heaven and earth, and not the levels in the jars of clay… Thanks for these little arrows of wisdom that hit the right spot and bring healing…

Reply
- Patty Perkins
  June 20th, 2013 at 8:30 am
  
  Oh…that’s so key! To focus on the maker of heaven and earth…not the levels in clay jars…thank you for adding that thought. He is so able! Appreciate you!
  
  Reply
Heidi Viars
June 20th, 2013 at 11:23 am

Thank you, Patty, for drawing our attention to the Word of God and His sovereign hand over our lives … even in times of scarcity. Blessings to you… 🙂

Reply
Patty Perkins
June 21st, 2013 at 8:37 am

He is faithful! I need the reminders:) Appreciate you!

Reply