Share First

Read

1 Kings 17:13-14 “Elijah said to her, ‘Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 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.’”

Think

It was the hottest soccer game of the season. The sun was blazing, and everybody was sweaty and red-faced. At halftime, Ava grabbed her water bottle. It was only half full.

Then she noticed her teammate Lily digging through her bag. “I forgot my water,” Lily said. She looked like she might cry.

Ava looked at her half-full bottle. If she shared, she might not have enough for the second half. But she held it out anyway. “Here. We can share.”

Lily's whole face lit up.

Ava's choice was hard because she didn't have much to give. The widow in today's verses had an even harder choice.

Remember, she only had a handful of flour and a little oil. Then Elijah said something surprising. “Don't be afraid. Go home and make your meal. But first, make a small loaf of bread for me.”

Wait. First? She barely had enough for herself and her son! How could she give some away first?

But Elijah wasn't finished. He gave her a promise from God. The jar of flour would not be used up, and the jug of oil would not run dry. God promised to keep her food coming until the rain came back.

So the widow had to decide. Would she hold on tight to the little she had? Or would she trust God's promise and share first?

That is a big question, and it's one we face too. Sharing is easy when you have a lot. It's hard when you only have a little. It's hard to share your last cookie, or your favorite toy, or your turn on the swing.

Here's what the widow's story teaches us. When we give to God and to others, God sees it. And God is the very best at taking care of people who trust him.

Notice the first thing Elijah said: “Don't be afraid.” God knows sharing can feel scary. He doesn't want us to give because we're scared. He wants us to give because we trust him.

Sharing when you only have a little is a big way to say, “God, I trust you.” Tomorrow we'll find out what the widow chose. Here's a hint: it's a happy ending!

Apply

Share something small – Today, share something even if you only have a little, like a snack, a turn, or your crayons. As you share, say in your heart, “God, I trust you.”

Pray

God, sometimes it's hard to share, especially when I don't have much. Help me not be afraid. Help me trust you and give with a happy heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.