Made for This Moment预览

MADE FOR THIS MOMENT: ELIJAH

Maker

WARM-UP

“And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’--1 Kings 17:13–14.

ON THE PITCH

In this story, the nation of Israel is going through a long drought due to once again forsaking God. God sent a prophet named Elijah to preach to the nation of Israel. Elijah was hungry, thirsty, and tired. He had been living by a creek where ravens would bring him bread and meat. He sought the help of a widow living in Zarephath who, with her son, only had enough food for one last meal before they died of starvation. Elijah asked God to provide for the widow and her son by daily filling a jar of flour and a jug of oil so that they could make bread to live. Elijah lived with them, awaiting God’s voice on his life's next steps.

“After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, ‘Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.’”--1 Kings 18:1

For three years, Elijah had been waiting for confirmation from the Lord on what he was doing and how to take his next steps. We don’t know exactly where in the three years he went to the widow’s house, but it’s conceivable that her small jar and jug had been producing flour and oil for some time before the events of 1 King 18 unfold.

Elijah would go on to serve God by defeating the prophets of Baal and King Ahab. God was making a foundation of faith and faithfulness in Elijah’s life. A person that is Made has a Maker and goes through a Making. We see this Making in Elijah’s life when God provided these small daily reminders of His providence and faithfulness. He asks us to be patient and humble in the daily moments as His plan unfolds.

Today, I encourage you to think about your story. What are the Jugs and the Jars in your life? Maybe it was an injury or a time of trying to find your way on the field (position, playing time, etc). Maybe it was a family issue, a friend in need, or an unmet prayer request. How in those situations did God provide consistently for you to get through? What evidence of the Making has happened in your life to bring you to this moment? And how does the remembrance and the gratitude for the Making give a foundation of the clarity, conviction, and confidence to do what He is calling you to do right now?

EXTRA TIME

1 Kings 18:20-40, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9

PRAYER

Thank You for making me. Thank You for providing for me and for my story, which has led me to this moment. Lord, please help me to grow in faith in all things You are doing for me and through me.