In the land of Sidon, in the town of Zarephath, there lived a widow. She had very little to her name, just a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Times were hard, and a severe famine had spread across the land, leaving her and her son struggling to survive.
One day, as she was gathering a few sticks to make a final meal, a man approached her. He was the prophet Elijah, sent by God. Elijah asked her for a small favor: to bring him some water and a piece of bread. The widow hesitated, explaining that she had only enough flour and oil to make one last meal for herself and her son. After that, they would have nothing left to eat.
Elijah, however, spoke with a calm assurance. He told her not to be afraid. He said, “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.'” With trembling hands, the widow did as the prophet asked. She made a small cake of bread for Elijah first, and then prepared a meal for herself and her son.
To her amazement, the flour and oil did not run out. Day after day, she continued to draw from the jar and jug, and they remained full. The widow and her son were provided for, and their faith in God was strengthened. Eventually, the famine ended, and the widow’s faith was rewarded with the miracle of God’s provision.
This story teaches us about the power of faith and the generosity of God, who provides for those who trust in Him.