The Widow

1 Kings 17:8-16

Introduction

Elijah was facing a great crisis. Elijah was a great prophet of God, Elijah was right where God wanted him to be, doing what God wanted him to be, and yet, still was having some difficulty.

Matt. 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

I. The Perception of Duty

Eph. 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

A. We perceive it in Scripture (8-9)

i. God commanded Elijah ii. God commanded the Widow woman

Psa. 119:105 ¶ NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

B. We perceive it in Season (on time) i. Elijah's brook "dried up" (7)... God was not late ii. Widow was down to her last meal, God was not late

C. We Perceive it in Steps (one at a time)

F. B. Meyer said, "God's servants must learn to take on e step at a time . . . God does not give all the directions at once, lest we should get confused; He tells us just as much as we can remember and do. Then we must look to Him for more; and so we learn, by easy stages, the sublime habits of obedience and trust."

II. The Priorities of Duty

A. Duty has priority over Situations

i. Dangerous - Zarephath was the top place of Baal worship, it was like camping in the enemies back yard. It was crazy for Elijah to go there. ii. Distance - It was 100 miles... on foot, with no provisions, scarcity of water, and as a fugitive, staying away from people. iii. Desperate - The widow was out of food! - God is to be first in the most dire of times. (12) iv. Dangerous for her, to harbor a fugitive...

B. Duty has priority over Self

C. Duty has priority over Sense!

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not to thy own understanding.

III. The Premiums of Duty

A. The Providence of God

Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

B. The Power of God

i. Elijah witnessed God's power first hand! ii. Widow witnessed God's POWER (v14)

C. The Provision of God (15)

Phil. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.