Who Is Barely Making It

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.”

MY HUSBAND, MARK, AND I HAVE SERVED in ministry together for many years. We’ve seen God do remarkable things. While the Lord has always provided for us, there were moments when our resources were slim. I remember a time when we had almost completely run out of food. All we had were a jar of pickles and a box of oatmeal.

Since it was just my husband and me, we figured we could tough it out until the next paycheck arrived. We laughed and said, “Well, if you want something salty, grab a pickle, and if you want something sweet, whip up some of the delicious oatmeal.”

We told no one what was happening in our home. But that Sunday night we heard a knock at our front door. An older couple said they had been praying and decided they wanted to bless us with some groceries. They had two carloads full, including items we never bought because they were too expensive and were considered absolute luxuries. We were so blessed and knew it could only be the Lord supplying our needs.

Stories of God’s provision appear throughout the Bible. It’s hard to imagine anyone facing more dire circumstances than the momma in 1 Kings 17. The prophet Elijah had declared a drought upon the land because the people were worshiping false gods. The whole nation was affected, including a widow with her only son. She had used up all her resources and was desperate. On what she thought would be the day of her final meal, she went to gather sticks for the fire so she could cook one last time for herself and her son.

But the Lord had a different plan. He had instructed Elijah to go to her village, Zarephath. God told Elijah that this widow would feed him. Two completely different stories were about to come together on the outskirts of town where one momma searched for sticks.

When their paths crossed that day, Elijah asked this widow: “‘Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?’ As she was going to get it, he called, ‘And bring me, please, a piece of bread’” (1 Kings 17:10-11). The widow then explained what was happening in her situation and told him about her last meal. God had a plan.

Elijah asked the momma to make him a small loaf of bread and then to make something for herself and her son. She complied with his request and brought him the loaf. Then he made an astonishing statement: “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.’” In other words, the momma who was barely making it now had abundance.

Sometimes I think about how, from that day on, whenever the widow woke up and saw that again there was no rain, she knew her family’s provision was secure. Isn’t it interesting that God chose a season that looked dry to so many to supernaturally provide her with flour and oil?

Tonight, Momma, whatever you are facing—whether a short-term problem like trying to make it to the next paycheck on pickles and oatmeal or the devastation of a drought that has stolen all your emotional, mental, and physical resources—please remember that the God who sees all, sees your need and is able to meet it. May the oil of His provision never run out in your life.

Tonight we pray for the momma who is barely making it. Lord, she feels like she is coming up short. Short on finances. Short on time. Short on patience. Short on hope. She needs You. She needs You to step in and make it all right. She might not even know what “all right” looks like, but You do. Because You never run short on anything. You have endless hope, strength, love, and everything she needs. Tonight You hear her cry and already have an answer for her. Meet her now.

We ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

Lord, my Provider, I ask You to supply me and my family with what we lack: