This week we end our Generosity series. I keep hearing testimonies of how God has used this study to help so many! Hopefully you too have grown and have seen all the blessings that come from a generous life. Money is not our provider. The God who made heaven and earth is our provider and above Him there is no other! When we live to leave a legacy of generosity, we see the Lord work in supernatural ways! Today, we will look at six principles on the path to the supernatural found in 1 Kings 17.
The Greater the Problem
In this chapter we read about a widow and the prophet Elijah. God used a drying brook, a depleted barrel, and a dying boy to prove He is the one true God. Some of you are going through a personal drought physically, financially, or relationally. God is your source! Other things or people are not. In verse 12, we read that the widow only had a “handful” of flour and a “little” oil. She was fully prepared to die from her lack! Her situation looked hopeless, however, as you keep reading you will see that when you get to the end of yourself, your resources, and your rope, you will find God is there.
The Greater the Priority
In the midst of the widow’s lack, “…Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son.” As we have seen through this study, God is first. He cannot be second. The widow did what Elijah asked. She gave God the first and then He multiplied it! It may be that there is a miracle in your house now. God will use something that you already have if you will be faithful to put Him first.
The Greater the Provision
“So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah” (v. 15-16). Wow! God blessed the widow’s obedience and she had more than she needed. Not everyone is going to believe, obey, and trust the Lord, but you can be one who will. Determine today, “If no one else does, I will.” Stop looking at the oil in the jar and start looking at the oil of the Holy Spirit in you. Stop looking at the flour and start looking at the Lord of the Harvest.
The Greater the Prayer
Trusting God is not a moment of faith but a life of faith. If you trust God it does not mean you will never have any problems again. The widow’s son ends up dying. In verses 20-21, we read Elijah’s desperate prayer. God allowed this situation to grow her faith. When you step out on faith, the enemy is going to try to discourage you. God will allow your faith to be tested to disciple you and to defeat the devil. Stop doubting and start believing. God can do things man cannot explain!
The Greater the Power
Verse 22 says, “Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.” This is the first time in Scripture where we read of a person being raised from the dead. They experienced resurrection power first-hand!
The Greater the Proof
“Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is the truth” (v. 24). All the widow went through led her to the place she could say, “Now I know.” We want you to be able to say the same thing. The Lord is personal. His provision and power through generosity is personal. We want you to experience that. Whatever it is, take your next step of obedience. There is no telling what the Lord will do!
