Elijah announces that a great drought will strike the Kingdom of Israel. Soon afterwards, he takes refuge in several different places and miraculously finds sustenance-first, by the Kerith Ravine, where crows bring him bread and meat; next, at a widow’s home in Zarephath, where the prophet asks his hostess to bring him whatever food she has left and then miraculously multiplies the little flour and oil that remains.
Some time later, the widow loses her son to an illness and cries out for help. Elijah miraculously revives the boy. It is because of the widow’s faith in Elijah that he can provide her with food and save her child. Her trust in him enables these miracles to occur and offers confirmation of Elijah’s true prophethood. Strengthening our faith is what allows us to cast aside our doubts. When we accept failure and suffering with grace, we become open to receiving goodness and blessing.
“And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (1 Kings 17:1)
“The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth” (1 Kings 17:14)
“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” (1 Kings 17:17)
Flexibility is being able to receive guidance and change course.
