The rain this month has been unbelievable. Yet our yard has not experienced any pooling which speaks to me of how dry everything has been. It also tells me how we need to be watered in God’s Word each and every day.

The week began with reading of the Widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17: 8-24.

This was a timely read for me. Before we left for our family vacation, I was literally on “empty”. As I packed, I was in tears as I truly felt I had nothing left to “give”.

But our God is faithful to supply our needs – whether they are physical, spiritual, or emotional.

This widow seems to have nothing left and yet Elijah asks for her to provide for him. I loved (and needed to read) these words Elijah spoke to her in verse 14:

“The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.” (NASB)

The Lord alone determines when we will be empty. We can share our resources and stuff because He has, and will, provide for us.

The devotional asks: How can you offer sacrificial hospitality? Will you give and serve even when you are tired? When it is inconvenient? How can we become more gracious?

Only as we remember His faithfulness in providing, will we be able to be generous to those around us.

~*~*~

We don’t know the details of this woman’s illness. How long was she sick? Was she conscious? What we do know is that once the fever left her, she was up, thankful and willing to serve.

We’re talking of Simon’s Mother-In-Law in Mark 1:16-34.

“Even if we don’t feel worthy or have lost hope, He has not forgotten us and will arrive in His perfect timing with His healing touch. And then out of the overflow of our thankful hearts, we must express our gratitude and honor the work of God in our lives.”

((Women of Courage, page 148)

The devotional asks: What has Jesus done for you, friend? Has He healed you physically or spiritually? Has He rescued you from temptation? Has He spoken encouragement to your heart when you were down?

In expressing our gratitude, we honor the work of God in our lives. May we all take time today to express our gratitude for all He has done for each one of us.

~*~*~

Friday found us reading about Eve in Genesis 3: 1-13, 20-24. Has any woman ever been blamed for so much as she? Seriously.

I found myself more inquisitive about her … what became of her? How did she truly feel after being deceived? What did she feel or struggle when she came to realize all she had lost?

I don’t know about each of you but I know I wonder what would have been different if I had not made some of my wrong choices. Don’t get me wrong, I know I am forgiven and I am grateful, I also know my choices impacted others.

And in knowing this, these words brought me peace:

“Take heart in God’s response to Eve’s grievous mistake.”

(Women of Courage, page 158)

The devotional asks: Has any woman been blamed for more than Eve? Are you feeling burdened by sin today? Do you see the way it has affected others in ways you could not have expected? What can we learn from God’s response to Eve?

Pondering in the quietness, these words came to mind from an old hymn:

“His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men,
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.”
(from “He Giveth More Grace” by Annie Johnson Flint)

~*~*~

His provision will always be enough.
May we honor the work of God in our lives with gratitude,
for He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

Photo 1: by Simona Sergi on Unsplash
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