EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God

Thursday, April 9

Elijah and the Widow

1 Kings 17

Summary:

At the beginning of this chapter Elijah, a prophet of God, proclaims the word of God to Ahab, the new king of Israel who “did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” Elijah tells Ahab that as God’s judgment on Israel, there will be no rain in the next couple years until he says so. Elijah then leaves, probably to save his own skin. God miraculously commands ravens to bring food to Elijah and then God tells him to go to Sidon, a land where Baal and not God is worshiped. There a widow is to take care of him. Elijah does as God commands and asks the woman for food promising her that, if she does make bread for him neither the flour nor the oil will run out until it rains. She reluctantly bakes the bread and discovers that the oil and flour have not been used up. After some time the woman’s son dies and God, through Elijah, restores him to life. The widow makes a beautiful statement of faith.

Sample of Today's Reading
1 Kings 17:24: “Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth.’”

To read today's full reading click here: 1 Kings 17

Question of the Day

When God asks you for your all as He did the woman, what keeps you from giving it? What does it take for you to say that you believe God? Who will benefit from your sacrifice: God, yourself, someone else or all the above?

Prayer Focus

I am but a human, Father. Please give me your eyes to see and your faith to trust you with whatever you ask of me.