Consider the widow of Zarephath. Pay careful attention to the sequence of events. First God spoke through Elijah. “‘Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said…’” (1 Kings 17:13). The word of the Lord birthed faith in her heart producing obedience–“She went away and did as Elijah had told her…” (1 Kings 17:15). Faith and obedience opened the windows of heaven. “So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family…in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah” (1 Kings 17:15-16).
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
— James 2:17 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, help me to be willing to give what I have in order to receive what I so desperately need. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.