TAKE COURAGE: REASONS TO BE OF GOOD CHEER: GOD PROVIDES

We continue to look at a singular word in ancient Greek that is translated into the title of our sermon series, “Take Courage.”  This Greek word often occurs before a miraculous event.  Last week, it was used just before the parting of the Red Sea.  This week, our Scripture from 1 Kings 17:9-16 contains a miracle, but in comparison to last week’s, it is a small, undramatic one.  However, it is still very powerful for the people involved.  It is the miracle of God’s provision for the prophet Elijah, as well as a widow and her son.  The widow has to take a courageous risk in order to trust God.  We all struggle to trust that God will provide, especially during these times of economic downturn and shortages.  Yet, this word is for us and it is alive!  This simple instance helps us to find the path to trust our living God to provide for our needs.  As you read 1 Kings 17: 9-16, may your heart be filled with the power and presence of God who will provide for you!  1 Kings 17: 9-16: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 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?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12 “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.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 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.’” 15 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. 16 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. (NIV)