OPENING SCRIPTURE:

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. (Ephesians 3:20 NKJ)

To Him that is able: God is not just willing, He is able

To do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask ot think: There are no adequate words for God’s greatness.

According to the power that works in us: God doesn’t just do things to us, He works through us.

The Widow of Zarephath – 1 Kings 17:8-16:  She expected her last meal to be her final act, but God exceeded her expectations

#1 God Provides in Unlikely Places

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. (1 Kings 17:8-9 NIV)

• God sees beyond our immediate needs.
• He chooses the location where the provision will come and He chooses the avenue, the
• Elijah needed more than food, He needed God’s protection.

I am your SHIELD (Protector), your EXCEEDINGLY great reward.” (Genesis 15:1 NKJ)

God’s provision doesn’t always come from where we expect—it may come from unlikely people or places

#2 Obedience Unlocks Blessing

The widow was asked to give the little she had left, and in obedience, she baked the cake for Elijah first.

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.” (1 Kings 17: 10-11 NIV)

The test was to give out of her lack, which was food.

“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.” (1 Kings 17:12 NIV)

That was her test of faith: to give from her lack.

When we obey God, even in hard times, we position ourselves for His supernatural provision. Our obedience unlocks His blessings

And all these BLESSINGS shall come upon you and OVERTAKE YOU, because you OBEY the voice of the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 28:2 NKJ)

#3 God’s Word Sustains Us

Elijah declared exactly what God was saying:

For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” (1 Kings 17:14 NIV)

• He declaration was anchored in God’s word. And it was in that declaration that God’s promise was established.

YOU will also DECLARE A THING, And it will be ESTABLISHED FOR YOU; So light will shine on your ways. (Job 22:28 NKJ)

God’s promises are dependable, even in seasons of famine or lack.

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 NIV

#4 God Uses Small Things for Great Impact

“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. (1 Kings 17:12 NIV)

• God used just a handful of flour and a little oil to create an endless supply.

What we see as small, God sees as seed for abundance

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much (Luke 16:10 NIV)

#5 God’s Miracles Are Daily and Ongoing

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 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. (1 Kings 17:15-16 NIV)

The flour and oil did not overflow instantly – it lasted day by day, meal by meal.

Sometimes God’s miracles are not one-time events, but daily sustenance that carries us through.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)

CONCLUSION

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?