The Miracle of Provision

Flour, Oil, and the Power of Service

In the heart of one of the most profound biblical narratives lies a story that beautifully intertwines divine intervention with human agency — the story of the widow of Zarephath.

This tale, deeply rooted in faith, miracles, and the essence of human kindness, unfolds in the book of 1 Kings 17:12, offering not only a testament to God’s provision but also a reflection on the broader implications of service and community.

A Test of Faith

The widow’s plight is dire. Amidst a relentless famine, she faces the grim reality of her and her son’s imminent death. It is at this lowest point that she encounters the prophet Elijah, who asks her for water and a piece of bread — an almost impossible request given her circumstances.

Yet, it is her response, marked by a mixture of despair and a sliver of hope, that sets the stage for one of the most extraordinary miracles in the scriptures. She says, “I swear, as surely as your God lives, I don’t have so much as a biscuit. I have a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a bottle; you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we’ll die.”