“Karen’s Notes!

Insights from a Glory-Bound Lady”

Selected Notes

Volume 2 Number 34 “Of Course God Kept His Word”

August 21^st, 2019

I am holding in my hands a handwritten copy of Karen’s Notes on the study of the Widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17. I have no idea where the ladies’ retreat was being held, but I do have her outline. I’ll share it with you, and I’ll pick out just a couple of the things she wrote in her study notes.

“And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth before Whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.  And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee” (1 Kings 17:1, 8-9).

The widow of Zarephath was in a desperate situation. She was down to the very last meal that she would be able to provide for her son. After that there would be absolutely nothing left for them.

Karen wrote: This was no time for panic. This wasn’t a time to grumble. God had a plan. Notice:

1. God’s providence in her life (17:8-12). Think of God’s timing. She was at the end of her resources and God knew it.
2. God’s promise to her (17:13-14). Through the prophet Elijah, God reassures her to fear not and to obey! Watch what the Lord will do!
3. God’s provision for her and her son (17:15-16). God keeps His promise!

Michael’s observation: I love how the writer puts this in 1 Kings 17:15, 16. “She went and did…And the barrel of meal wasted not neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the Word of the LORD.” Do you feel like you are running low on human resources? Honestly, are some of the circumstances of your life overwhelming? Take heart. Think of Elijah, the widow of Zarephath, and your great God. His resources are limitless.