HOW TO LIVE IN PLENTY DURING SCARCITY Pt.4

SACRIFICE

The widow of Zarephath is a good example of someone who gave sacrificially. We preach about sacrificial giving but often ignore her. She gave her last meal. I can imagine how poor she was with only one son. God sent Elijah the prophet to be fed by her during famine. That may sound foolish to you. How can God send a prophet to be fed in the house of a poor widow, doesn't he know her condition? When Elijah requested for food, she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die”, 1 Kings 17:12 NLT.

One good thing about her was that she obeyed the prophet of God and cooked her last meal. That's sacrifice. I don't think she did that dancing and singing in the kitchen while cooking. It was said about her that "...she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah",1 Kings 17:15-16 NLT. She enjoyed abundance of supernatural supply during famine. Hallelujah!!!. What will you do when God come asking for that thing you treasure most? I'm very sure Elijah would have made news headlines if he were to live in our day. He may be called a greedy or hungry prophet who manipulated a widow. I know a couple who struggled to build their house for 34 years. The wife told me that back in the 80s, God spoke through a genuine servant of God that they should support the church building project. God's servant told them God told her that they won't give the money because God revealed that to her. Truly, they refused. The money they ought to have given the church was spent on their building yet they couldn't finish building an ordinary bungalow for 34 years.

Readiness to sacrifice is an indication that you're willing to experience a radical change. The price you'll pay for a rise will always cost you something- sacrifice. Sacrifice often comes with pain. It is a type of giving that cost you something. There are seeds you sow while dancing but there are others that you'll have to sow in tears: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him", Psalm 126:5-6 KJV. When God want to launch you into a new dimension of supplies especially during scarcity, he may demand from you what will cost you something. Your obedience to sacrificial giving is a door opener during scarcity. The opportunity to give sacrificially may be towards kingdom projects, missions, a genuine servant of God and even the brethren. At all times, be sensitive to know when God is demanding from you what you treasure.