“And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore that there was no breath left in him. And she said unto Elijah, what I to do with thee, O thou man of God? Art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? (1 Kings 17:17-18).
The story of the widow of Zarephath doesn’t end with yesterday’s devotional. Always beware when things starting going almost too well. There is a possibility our faith will be tested again. Things were going well for the widow. Elijah obviously stayed with her until God sent rain upon the land. Then something happened to shake the faith of the widow. Her son fell ill and died. It’s human nature to lash out even upon someone to whom you owe a debt of gratitude. She wanted someone to blame. Sadly, when there’s a reversal of events, many shake their fists at God. They rant and cry, “Why, O, Lord?” like God has forsaken them! Make no mistake. They moved away from Him. He is still there where they left Him.
The widow witnessed the fact God worked a miracle in her life. For a time, her sorrow turned to joy. Then her son died…or did he really die? Join me tomorrow for the rest of the story.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for believers in Southeast Asia, where many face persecution for their faith in Christ.
