IN THE CORE of our Christian walk, there is a life-altering truth that highlights our struggles, our feelings of inadequacy, and our lack of faith—we must understand that we are works in progress.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
The Narrative
A NATION’S GRIEF, a prophet’s burden.
Ahab ruled in Israel for twenty years and did more evil than kings before him.
And Elijah said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” (I Kings 17:1)
God told Elijah to leave and go to Brook Cherith. God had commanded the ravens to feed him there. They brought him bread and meat, morning and evening.
When the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land, God told him to go to Zarephath.
“Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” (I Kings 17:8)
Elijah arose and went to Zarephath. At the entrance of the city, he saw a woman gathering sticks.
He asked her for water to drink. And as she left, he requested her to bring him some bread too.
But she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” (I Kings 17:11)
Perspective matters
CONFLICTS result from having different viewpoints—she saw things differently and was honest about it.
Elijah told her not to fear but make some cake for him first—the jar of flour will not be spent, and the cruse of oil will not be empty till God sends rain.
Elijah gave her the promise of God. He knew that she was a work in progress.
Perhaps she had struggled with the Lord’s command before Elijah arrived, it was time for her to decide.
A similar thing happened when the Ammonites and Moabites came to fight Israel.
Jehoshaphat told Judah, “Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” (2 Chronicles 20:20)
Light Bulb Moment
THE WIDOW filled the gaps in her thoughts with the promise of God—for her, it was a time of revelation.
She obeyed God’s word and moved from lack to sufficiency. She believed, and God worked on her nature and character.
Do you have gaps in your life?
Fill them with the promises of God—they are yes and amen in Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
God is pleased with your progress, and your enthusiasm to do what he says.
He loves it when you obey His words and become more like Christ. He is pleased when you leave your comfort zone and try to please Him.
Fill the gaps in your life with God's words
Possibilities Abound
THE WIDOW understood that life is an assignment—she knew her call and fed the prophet.
Her identity wasn’t in her history, but her possibilities. She heard the truth and held no opinion.
Grace in abundance
THE GRACE OF GOD kept her in the difficult season. She expressed the mind of God when she gave to Elijah, and God was pleased with her.
The widow knew that she had the three things required to succeed—the seed, the promise and faith.
She emptied her sustenance, and God filled her.
You also have the wherewithal to succeed —God never makes a demand where he hasn't put something.
Always remember that your life is under construction.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
WHEN THE WIDOW realised that she was a work in progress, she embraced the process, and her possibilities became endless.
She stretched her faith and got the ultimate gain.
She did not pursue opportunism—seeking immediate gains but seized the opportunity and progressed.
God wants you to explore the moment by filling the gaps in your life with His word and dominating your situation with it.