8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink." 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." 12 So she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, 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." 13 And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.' " 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.
17 Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. 18 So she said to Elijah, "What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?" 19 And he said to her, "Give me your son." So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?" 21 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him." 22 Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, "See, your son lives!" 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth."
How many opportunities to we get to help another person out during a day, week or even a month? In reading the above, seeing a woman give that of which she had so little of, became much in the hands of the prophet! When Elijah came to her, she was gathering what little she had and adding the needed sticks for the fire to bake her meager portion of bread. The prophet told her to prepare without fear, a portion and bring to him first. Yikes, what little only to give to someone else. What was this prophet thinking? Yet, she obeyed him, and prepared the small cake from it first and brought it to him, and then she and her son ate. And it was as the prophet spoke. "The bin of flour shall not be used up, not shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth."
Every year about this time, I always recall a lady who had three daughters. While working at the gym, I encountered her and learned she was far from family and friends. It was late in November of 2003, and her husband had been sent to the northwest to work for this well known company. He was good at his work and was considered valuable there. In this relocation of coming across an entire country, brings one to those thoughts of loneliness and distress or despair. Although they had two healthy daughters ranging in ages of 3-6 years of age, the baby had been born with severe allergy to most foods and formulas for a baby to have. Whatever went into that little tummy, would have a bad outcome to her causing much abdominal pain and gas. She would cry out in her distress and pain. The mother was alone at times to care for the children, as the husband had to fly overseas and her only time away from home was the gym.
She would appear at the door of the establishment. Although very tired and pale looking, she would present the baby to whoever was at the desk, make her apologies of the baby's pain and tears, and make her way toward the locker room to change. She always told whoever was at the desk that they could come and get her if it "was just too much crying for them to handle." "She said she understood the crying was non-stop and very loud and painful to hear for long periods. "
The supervisor would tell the Mom to be at peace, exercise and rest while she could, and just come back when she was ready. The limit of time for any child or baby was two hours, and the Mom always appeared right on time to get the child. Off she would go, with much thanks rolling from her like a torrent of water that runs along a gorge. In two days, she would be back looking tired and haggard again.
After about two months of seeing the baby and hearing her terrifying cries, the Dr. was trying out some new rice formulas but alas, they did not work. Again, one could hear those cries all over the gym. About a year after the baby's birth, the specialists were finding things the child could have with much less pain and agony. She began to grow somewhat more quiet with her new schedules of feedings and much more activity of playing and not just being held anymore. Another year went by, and now the child had a sweet smile on her face. She had a laugh that was beautiful to hear. And her mother, well, she could come to the gym and enjoy some time to herself, and work out without any fear of someone coming to get her because of the crying baby!
One day while in a supermarket picking up a few things to add for an evening meal, I heard this cry. I recognized it as the small child we would see at the gym. But this cry was more like just being upset! Yes, I like many others had grown accustomed to her "cry" of distress. But now this cry represented a small one who was just upset at something within the boundary of the store. As I checked out with the cashier, and walked out those sliding doors, I could still hear that cry!
Years passed, and one day the Mom came to say they were moving back to the East Coast. What her husband had come to do had been accomplished. They would be leaving and before they did, they would be coming in to give a farewell to those within the gym and the childcare department. It was a difficult moment. She came in with all three girls. They wanted to thank everyone there, but particularly two who would hold that baby for hour each while she exercised, gained her composure to fight another battle with stomach cramps and pains of a tiny baby. She shed tears of thankfulness and great love for those who gave of what they had within them. She was gracious indeed and I will never forget her or those three fine young ladies.
Today, I reflect on that which this mother had in feeding her son. I wonder at the pain they both might have experienced and looking at what remained to keep them alive was so little and somewhat bleak. The prophet said, "please bring me a little water in a cup". Yes, she was off to get the water, but then a demand came for a morsel of bread.
What we hold in our hands can certainly help another person! What we regard as lack or even in famine still has value that can be given for one in need. Sometimes people just need to know that they are not alone. As with this mother and her son, it would prove to her advantage when her son would fall dead some time later.
What we see happen for another, God will see to it that it will be done for us, for our family. What I experienced was a baby who could not be comforted, but she knew we would not leave her alone in all that pain. For the mother, she came to know that she too was not alone, and that someone would be there to help. Sometimes people just need a moment of our time, not a lecture, not some great advice, but just be there. Just show up for that job, and see who needs that hug, maybe a card to encourage, maybe a joke or two to lighten the day for them, and then remind them that they are not alone in this moment of anguish, distress..........in a day of more of the same, when we, as the children of God, can bring light, bring hope, bring laughter to a somewhat turn down day for some.
If I could just in this moment help you see that what you have right now will help another. What you can give right now, is greater and of more value to one who has lack in some area of life.
What we can share, speak or even pray can help another see that God is with us. In that moment of time, when all is set and done, and it is time to leave, will we hear, "Now by this I know that you are a man (or woman) of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth."
What we can share, speak or even pray can help another see that God is with us. In that moment of time, when all is set and done, and it is time to leave, will we hear, "Now by this I know that you are a man (or woman) of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth."
There may be an "Amanda" or maybe an Adam in your life. He or she may need some extra love and care today. Find that someone who needs that hug, a hand-up, and lift them in a way that will help them see God in you. You will touch their heart, change their life, and bring you to a place that You CAN SEE GOD!
Our character is seen when we respond to something out of control. In spiritual health, one is hinged on hearing the good news which brings health to us. It is of utmost importance that we remain the loyal, those who speak truth, tolerant of others, have that loving nature, and traits of one who is the patient and determined.
Father, we desire to be Your Witnesses forever. Help us to see where we should declare without hesitation that True Word that brings faith and hope. We desire our lives to be that which is the reverent before You Lord, obeying truth always, and to glorify Jesus, so that our faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:21) Help us to target that which must be corrected that hinders us from being a "help" to others. May we be those who are the trees of righteousness, for the healing of the nations. It is in Jesus' name and to His praise and glory. Amen!
You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV
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