God is Faithful 

“For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life.”
Romans 5:10 (NIV UK) 

My dad had a soft spot in his heart for the elderly and the widowed. He’d say, “One day we’ll all grow old and hope for care and the companionship of others.” When he was assigned to work with several congregations, it wasn’t long before he had set up weekly Bible studies and arranged groups to look after and pray with the elderly and widowed. He became known as the “widow’s elder” because of his compassion and tender heart.

There’s a Bible story about a widow which often reminds me of those my dad used to share. Here we find God sending Elijah to the city of Zaraphath and telling him, “Behold, I have commanded a widow to feed you.” When Elijah arrives he finds the widow collecting firewood. He asks her to bring him some water and bread.

She responds, “As surely as the Lord your God lives, I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die” (1 Kings 17:12).

This widow had given up, but God had other plans for her. Elijah told her to not be afraid, but to go ahead and make him some bread, and then to make something for her and her son. He said, “For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.”’ She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah” (Verses 14–16).

The story is about her response to God’s invitation to be an active participant in his work, and her example of faith is a testimony to us all.

No matter who you are we’ve all been invited to participate in God’s on-going work of sharing his good news with others, to let them know they are loved and they are included in his plan. Just like the widow, we often can’t see how God is going to work things out, but we should know that he is always trustworthy and faithful.

Prayer
Mighty Father, that which we could not do, you have done for us. Let us not only understand that but use that knowledge to go forward in your strength and power. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen 

Study by Joseph Tkach

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About the Author:
Joseph Tkach is the President of Grace Communion International (the Denominational name of The Worldwide Church of God UK), and resides in California, USA. You are welcome to attend one of our local Church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland.  For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.wcg.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

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