Then the word of the Lord came to him, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.”

1 Kings 17: 9-12

When the Brook of Cherith dried up, the Lord instructed Elijah to head to Zarephath. He would find his provision would come through a widow woman.

 

Surely God knew the widow was at the brink of despair and death. She was found preparing for her last meal along with her son, and her heart was readied to then die.

 

But God had other plans.

 

Zarephath means “refinery.”

 

Refined means to be “ free from impurities” or “to be cultivated.”

 

We often hear of oil refineries. Odd isn’t it as all the widow had left was a bit of oil in a jar. We also know oil often represents the Holy Spirit. Trust me; the smallest touch by Holy Spirit can change everything.

 

Look at Elijah’s instruction after asking for water and bread: two elements that often point to the Word of God and the fact that He is known as the Bread of Life.

 

1 Kings 17 Vs. 13

Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me, and afterwards make some for yourself and your son.

 

Ahhh. The widow was about to see how Biblical provision is called for.

 

“Make me a small cake from it, first.”

 

Then “afterwards” you and your son.

 

How countercultural we find this in our modern-day society, yes?

 

How often we lack refinement in the area of surrender to Jesus. We care for ourselves first, then our leftovers we offer to Christ. Our self-focus and worries take precedent over King and Kingdom and in all reality, we lack Heaven’s refinement. Yet, even in a dire situation, this widow is commanded to provide for Elijah first. Then…we see a never-ending abundance of provision.

 

Have you been sent to an appointed refinery whereby all seems lost and dead? It is not so. Perhaps He is trying to teach you of Kingdom priority. Provisional principals of Heaven’s economy?

 

When He combs the deep places and spaces of our hearts, does He find us in need of a repositioning of perspective?

 

A little oil goes a long way in the right hands. When used properly, no one goes hungry.

 

There is an element of trust and even obedience to our commitment to Christ first. Then….all things will be added.

 

Ask the Lord if you are in a refinery. If so, ask Him to help you properly surrender to His Lordship with the understanding that He must be first in all things.