A. GOD’S PROVISION IN DESPERATE CONDITIONS: 1 KINGS 17:8-24
1. When you cease to obey your master, you are no longer his servant. “The Lord said, “Go … Zarephath … a widow to feed you” (v. 8).
a. Fed by ravens (3 years?).
b. Fed by widow in pagan city (meaning blast furnace).
2. Elijah understood daily discipline and sacrifice. “If you want to be my disciples, turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, NLT).
3. God’s less is better than world’s starvation. “Bring me a bite of bread” (v. 11). “She said … don’t have … handful of flour … gathering sticks … cook last meal … will die” (v. 12).
4. God’s promise. “I have commanded a widow woman to feed you” (v. 8). God is not occupied with circumstances; He is God of circumstances. The more desperate a situation, the greater need for God.
5. Not a year’s supply, but daily need. “There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the container, just as the Lord promised” (v. 16).
6. Sometimes we see death coming. “Became sick … grew worse and worse … died” (v. 17).
7. Elijah personally involved. “Took the child’s body from her arms … carried upstairs … laid the boy on the bed … stretched himself over the child” (v. 19, 21).
8. Why three times? “He stretched out over the body three times” (v. 21).
a. Body, soul, and spirit.
b. Jesus three days.
c. Number of completion.
9. Elijah’s prayer:
a. “Why have you brought this tragedy to this widow?” (v. 20).
b. “Please let this child’s life return” (v. 21).
B. TEN APPLICATION FOR YOUR LIFE
1. God looks after the poor. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in a time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1).
2. God never promised to supply all things for all of your life only daily provisions. “As thy days demand, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25, AV).
3. We must always be prepared for worst circumstances on top of hard situations. Very little food, and the son died” (v. 17).
4. Don’t blame God when your bad conditions turn worse. “O man of God, what have you done to me” (v. 18).
5. Because you are a child of God, does not free you from the ordinary calamities of life.
6. When God’s chastening hand falls on us, we often complain and blame. “Have you come here ... to kill my son?” (v. 18).
7. Learn how to answer criticism, “to kill my son” (v. 18). “When He (Jesus) was reviled, did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:23).
8. The supernatural character of faith is seen in its supernatural results. “Look ... your son is alive” (v. 23).
9. Principles for answers:
a. Go to your closest” (Matthew 6:6), he went alone.
b. Fervency.
c. Personal relationship “my God” (v. 20).
d. God’s sovereignty.
e. Identification, stretched out over body.
f. Appealed to God’s mercy.
g. Specific “Let … life return” (v. 21).
10. Answer. “Bought him down ... gave to mother … your son is alive” (v. 23).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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