Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 17:1–16

Introduction

A. With his unusual clothing (2 Kings 1:8) and fiery personality, Elijah is one of the most fascinating characters in the OT.

B. Although subject to the same passions as the rest of us, God withheld rain and gave it when Elijah prayed (James 5:16–18), and Elijah always trusted that God would take care of him.

Discussion

I. God always gives us what we need.

A. This was true in Elijah’s case (1 Kings 17:1–16).

B. It was also true for the children of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 15:22–27; 16:405; Joshua 5:12).

C. This was true for the Christians of the first century (Acts 2:44–45; 4:34–35; 11:28–30; Romans 15:25–28).

D. The same holds true for us (1 Timothy 6:8).

II. Sometimes we tend to take God’s blessings for granted.

A. If the widow didn’t realize how richly God had blessed her, she surely learned (1 Kings 17:18–24).

B. We need to be thankful always for the blessings that God has showered upon us (Colossians 3:15; Ephesians 5:20; cf. Romans 1:21).

III. We need to learn to trust in the Lord to care of us.

A. Elijah trusted that God would take care of him (1 Kings 19:13ff).

B. Others trusted in the Lord include David (Psalms 18:2–3; 20:7; 34:22; 56:11), Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:5–6), Paul (Acts 27:23–25), and of course, Jesus (Luke 23:46).

Conclusion

When we learn to be content with God’s provisions and to trust in Him, we will be the happiest people this world has ever known!