Asking in Faith: Elijah’s Shameless Dependence on God
Verses:1 Kings 17:10-11
"So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, 'Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?' As she was going to get it, he called, 'And bring me, please, a piece of bread.'"
Elijah’s journey to Zarephath is a profound lesson in shameless dependence on God. When God directed him to go to a widow for food, Elijah obeyed without hesitation. Upon arriving, he saw a woman gathering sticks, but the Bible does not tell us whether he immediately recognized her as the one God had prepared. Yet, in faith, he approached her and asked for water and bread. This simple act of asking reveals a heart fully reliant on God’s promise and unashamed to make his need known.
Elijah’s request was not a sign of weakness or desperation but a bold declaration of faith. He knew God had already prepared the widow to provide for him, yet he did not hesitate to ask. This act of humility and dependence challenges our modern mindset, where self-sufficiency is often prized above all else. Many today, even those in ministry, struggle to understand how a mighty prophet like Elijah could ask for food without feeling shame. Yet, Elijah’s confidence was not in himself but in the God who had sent him. He understood that God’s provision often comes through humble means, and he was willing to participate in God’s plan by asking.
It is important to note that the widow did not voluntarily offer Elijah food. Instead, God provided for him through his request. This highlights a key truth: God’s provision is not always handed to us on a silver platter. Sometimes, it requires us to step out in faith, humble ourselves, and ask. Elijah’s willingness to do so shows us that there is no shame in depending on God, even when it means making our needs known to others. If the widow had refused, Elijah would have trusted God to provide through another means, but he began with the one God had directed him to.
Elijah’s example is a stark contrast to the pride and self-reliance that can often characterize our lives, especially in ministry. Those who aspire to a comfortable, “white-collar” ministry, avoiding the humility and dependence that God requires, risk drifting into godlessness. Elijah’s story reminds us that true ministry is not about status or comfort but about obedience and trust in God’s direction. Even Jesus, in His humanity, demonstrated this humility when He asked for water on the cross. Suffering and material lack do not indicate distance from God; rather, they can be opportunities to experience His provision and faithfulness in deeper ways.
As we reflect on Elijah’s story, let us examine our own hearts. Are we willing to humble ourselves and ask for what we need, trusting that God will provide? Are we open to God’s direction, even when it leads us to places of uncertainty or discomfort? Let us learn from Elijah’s example and embrace the humility and faith that draw us closer to God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Elijah, who trusted in Your provision and shamelessly asked for what he needed. Teach us to rely on You in the same way, to step out in faith and humility, knowing that You are our provider. Help us to resist the pride and self-reliance that can creep into our lives, and to embrace the humility that draws us closer to You. May we always trust in Your direction, even when it leads us to places of uncertainty. We thank You for Your faithfulness and provision in every season of our lives. Amen.