The Last Meal

“For 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.’ ” – 1 Kings 17:14 (NIV)

The Texas sun beat down on Maria’s head as she walked to the only convenience store in her tiny town. She was just about to step inside the store when a man who looked homeless reached for her arm.

She stepped back, feeling wary at first. But there was something about the look in the man’s eyes that relaxed her.

“Please, a bottle of water, I beg,” he said.

Maria reached into her pocket and felt for her change. The last bit of change she’d been able to scrape together. She’d spent over an hour searching for it.

“Perhaps a slice of bread, too,” the man said hopefully.

Maria sighed, her heartbreaking for the stranger. Tears filled her eyes and she whispered, “No, I’m sorry. I’m here to buy a final meal for my son and myself.” She pulled the crusty change from her pocket. “These are my last few cents.” Her voice trembled.

“Don’t be afraid,” the homeless man said softly. “Bring me a cup of water and a loaf of bread. Then go feed yourself and your son—for God Himself will provide for your family.”

The widow’s act of faith was also an act of love. She gave what she must have thought was the last of her food to Elijah, a stranger she hardly knew. She chose to trust that God saw her loving sacrifice and would provide for her.

God, let me be generous with every resource You’ve entrusted to me. I hold nothing back from Your hand. Everything I have is Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.