GOD’S CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS (4)

“Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and DWELL THERE. See, I have commanded a widow THERE to provide for you” – 1 Kings 17:9

The Prophet Elijah again encountered GOD’S CIRCLE of BLESSINGS at Zarephath: “Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and DWELL THERE. See, I have commanded a widow THERE to provide for you” (1 Kgs.17:8-9). It’s intriguing that God led Elijah to a brook that was drying up; a place of provision which wasn't going to last. The flowing stream of water turned into a trickle, a puddle, a handful, a small sip, and dryness. Elijah watched his provision dwindle (v.7). Why would God lead him to a place where the water would dry up? He could have thought of trying to find a better place in a bid to ‘help’ God out in his own wisdom. But God had a “THERE” in mind – His Circle of Blessings! Elijah had to wait for God’s Word: “Then the Word of the Lord came to him…” (v.8a).

Cherith means 'a cutting away.' It was a severance of all the things of the self-life so that Elijah could depend on God and be used of Him. The drying brook was a test of faith, for him to move one step at a time. Normally we want a road map on life, a GPS system which would tell us the quickest way to reach desired destination. But God often gives us one step at a time. Elijah demonstrated his complete dependence on God by waiting for the next instruction. It was at the crisis point when there was nothing left that the Word of the Lord came to him. God always speaks when it is needed, not beforehand. When streams turn into trickles or life’s brooks dry up, is the time to wait on God and His instruction. For Elijah, God's provision was at Cherith. Had he gone elsewhere, he might have missed being blessed!

Cherith teaches us: to be obey God’s Word; to trust His provision, however unusual; and that things don’t’ always last. God's Will and Plan surpass human understanding. Elijah knew this and waited for God’s next word. God had called him to this “There,” so it was God's business to move him on! God always has a Way and a Word! He commanded ravens; now, a widow to provide for His servant in another remarkable way. God sent Elijah to Zarephath of Sidon, the very place that Jezebel grew up in – the birthplace of Baal worship. This region was actually bequeathed to Abraham. Joshua had conquered it, and handed it out to Asher, but Asher never subdued the Canaanites, and they became a snare! Zarephath means the 'place of refining or smelting furnace'. So, Elijah moved from 'cutting off' to a 'smelting furnace or refining'!

One door closed, another opened. God was obviously working on the character of His prophet. First, unclean ravens; now, provision from a widow! Not only was he being sent to a place of Baal worship, but he, a Jew, was sent about a hundred miles away to a poor Gentile widow for sustenance! This woman actually gets a mention in the New Testament, as someone who had faith and was used by God as a blessing (Lk.4: 24-26). Elijah had to trust God’s strange plan! His unseen Hand of providence ensured that the precise moment that he arrived at the gate, there was the widow that God has commanded to make provision for him (v.10). The Perfect Planner at work!

The widow was about to eat her last and die (v.12). But she gave her all, and lived (vv.13-14). The flour, signifying the Word, and the oil, denoting the Holy Spirit, never ceased! God uses unconventional ways and unexpected vessels. The little we have can be used mightily in His Hand. God used the poor widow to feed three hungry mouths: Elijah, herself, and her young son! Whether we understand God's ways or not, we simply must trust and obey! God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply, especially within His Circle of Blessings!