When God commanded Elijah to depart to Zarephath in Sidon, He was commanding him to go in a spiritual wasteland — a land of idolatry. It was where Jezebel’s father ruled. God was leading Elijah in dangerous territories. Who did God send him to? Did he send Elijah to a powerful man? No, the Lord was sending him to widow, who needed protection herself.

The Lord does not allow anyone to steal His glory. If He sent Elijah to a powerful man in the land, because it was the practical thing to do, others may say, “Oh, it’s because the man had power and influence that he can provide and protect Elijah.” Then, the glory goes to the powerful man, and not to God. Let me say it again, the Lord is careful not to share His glory, and so He uses the little ones to provide for His prophets. God blesses the seemingly weak characters so that they can powerfully carry out His will.

Nevertheless, it was in a heathen and idolatrous land that Elijah found a poor widow who would obey the Lord. In a desperate situation, this widow found the courage to obey the Lord. How often have Christians grumbled, “Everything is lost! I have nothing more!” It’s as if the operations of the Spirit of God have stopped working.

When the need is greatest, this is when the Lord is nearest. On the day the poor widow believed her supply would not last, her distress came to an end, and she was supplied with daily bread.54 The timing of God is perfect. He always provides when we need Him to, and it can be in the most peculiar of ways.

9 But he said to me, “My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ’s power can rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The same God who was able to provide meal in the barrel and oil in the jar every day is also the one who sustains the earth. He is the One who makes sure trees and plants bear fruit during harvest. He is the One who makes sure the seasons come on time. Day and night does not cease because of His power (Gen. 8:22). This is the same God who provides for everything we need every day. We are amazed at the little miracle in the widow’s household at Zarephath, when we overlook the huge miracles that we experience every day we wake up alive.

Experience the Power of Prophecy as a gift to open your mind to receive the Mind of Christ.