The Last Loaf of Bread [Choosing Joy]

This is a story from God’s Word told in my own words.

A drought had fallen upon the land of Israel because of the evil, stubborn heart of King Ahab.  The prophet, Elijah, was living in the wilderness and being cared for by ravens through provisions from God.  After a while, the creek from which he drank dried up and God sent Elijah to the village of Zarephath.  Upon his arrival, Elijah met a widow who was gathering firewood.  He called to her and asked her for a cup of water.  As she turned to go fetch the drink he requested for her to bring him bread as well.

The woman explained that because of the drought, she and her son had almost no food left.  In fact, she was gathering sticks to build a fire so that she could bake her last bit of flour and oil.  She was convinced that afterwards she and her son would perish from hunger.

Elijah reassured her that God would provide for them all.  He instructed her to bake the bread, but to bring him the first loaf and then make a meal for herself and her son.  Elijah promised that God would not allow her flour jar and oil jar to go empty until the rains returned to the land.

The widow did as Elijah told her to and the promise was proven.  She and her son ate for many days and their supplies were never exhausted just as God had said through the prophet.

This is a story from God’s Word.  You can read the story in 1 Kings 17:7-16 in the Bible.

“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.” Psalm 119:93