Wednesday: Embracing Unlikely Sources

God often uses unlikely sources to provide for our needs.

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-12 (NIV)  

"Then the word of the Lord came to him: 'Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.' So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, 'Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?' As she was going to get it, he called, 'And bring me, please, a piece of bread.' 'As surely as the Lord your God lives,' she replied, 'I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.'"

Elijah's journey to Zarephath exemplifies God's tendency to defy our expectations in His provision. The widow’s resources appeared insufficient, yet God chose her to sustain the prophet. This narrative reflects God's ability to use those seemingly unqualified or lacking as instruments of His provision.

The widow's situation is dire; her plan is to prepare a final meal for her and her son. Yet, even in her hopelessness, God works. Through Elijah, God demonstrates His care and unwavering capacity to meet needs in miraculous ways even when resources appear depleted.

Jesus often worked through society’s marginalized, illustrating that worth isn't determined by worldly measures. The Holy Spirit continues this work, prompting us to see God's potential in unexpected places and people. Our comfort comes from the knowledge that God can use anyone, including us, for His purposes.

Action Step:  

Identify someone in your life who may seem like an unlikely source of blessing. Pray for God's wisdom to see how He might be using them to provide for your needs, or how you might be an unlikely blessing to them.

Prayer:  

Lord, you are always at work around me. Forgive me for looking at my problems and trials before looking to You first.  I know that even when I feel like there is no way, you provide a way. Help me to walk in this truth and to also share it with others.  

Song of the Day: "Surrounded/Fight My Battles” Surrounded (Fight My Battles) - Red Rocks Worship