I Know That I Know

061608
1 Kings 17:12 & 24
12But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die."... 24Then the woman said to Elijah, " Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."

Elijah the prophet predicted a drought and after staying at a brook and living off of it, he was instructed to go to a widow's house in Zarephath. The widow is first seen gathering sticks. Elijah calls out to her and asks that she get him a little water so that he may drink. The woman is on her way to get this little bit of water and then Elijah also asks for a piece of bread. The woman sounds so hopeless as she explains to Elijah that she has no bread and that she is ready to give up. She was gathering sticks so that she and her son would eat that and then die. She was at the point of suicide. Not only did God bring Elijah to her house to survive the drought, but also to save this woman from death and hopelessness. But even though the little bit of flour and oil that she had never ran out, she still doubted Elijah. She probably was also doubting God. Maybe everyday, she made bread and thought, this might be the last of it. But when things took a turn for the worst, and her son got very sick, then God revealed His glory by healing him. Elijah pleaded on the child's behalf. God heard Elijah's voice. The woman was convinced after that. Her faith and trust was complete.

As I reflect on what happened yesterday, this scripture is just saturated with lessons and meaning. Yesterday, God used me to comfort and counsel three women. Each very worn, very downcast, and very weary. I feel for these women. As I spoke to each of them, I could feel God supplying me words that I never knew could come out of my mouth to comfort them. They are on my heart in my prayers and I know that God will deliver them from their situations. Just as Elijah and the widow needed each other to survive, I need others to survive. I can't ever think that because I helped these women, that I am immune from such heartache, suffering, or pain. What is important for me to remember from all this, is that I need to know that I know that I trust the Lord. God is my Father. Jesus is my Savior. I need to decide on things right now. I'm thinking so clearly. This is a good time to make decisions. My mind isn't distracted. My hormones or emotions are not controlling me. I decide right now that I will never gather sticks. I will never give up. I will always hope. I will always trust. I will always cry out to God. I will allow others to help me when I am sliding. When I look at all that God has done in my life, I see that it is nothing short of a miracle. In fact, I see it all more miraculous than having an endless supply of flour and oil. God is so good. I must always remember that.

Heavenly Father, I love You. I follow You, Lord. Please lead me in Your everlasting way! Lord, please forgive me for my pride, my fear, my waywardness in my thoughts. Please continue to bless me with a clear mind. I pray that I transform into the woman of God that You designed me to be. Lord, I pray for my sisters, that You would bring healing and direction for them. Lord, You are there for them, so please help them to see that. I pray that Your will is done. I pray for my husband, that He would continue to grow in Your word. I pray for his safety and healing. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.