1 Kings 18 - Widow of Zarephath

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Introduction

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A drought was sent by God due to the paganism of King Ahab.

1 Kings 16:30–33 “30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him. 31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 32 And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.”

1 Kings 17:1 “1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.”

Now, the context of this story is two parts. One, is God was providing for Elijah during the drought. Second, there was a family who was in desperate need of His intervention as well.

The drought had had it’s impact on a small family. This family had already experienced the death of a husband, dad, and provider. The two who remained was a widow, single mom, and her son. On top of that, there is now a sever drought! There were so many things stacked up against this family that is had become a home depleted of any hope. Eventually, if something didn’t happen or if someone didn’t intervene, the home would just be an empty shell. The life that used to fill this home, is soon approaching extinction! This family needs a renewal of hope and joy.

I want to make the case that revival just doesn’t arrive on it’s own. Revival requires movement. From the revival this home experienced, let us learn today how revival is going to take place in our own hearts, homes, and church…

1) God Provides The Right Message

A. A renewed hope must come from God

B.

2) The Widow Surrendered A Trusting Obedience

A.

B.

3) God Provides According To His Promise

A.

B.