The Widow of Zarephath

I'm sorry that it's been a few weeks since you've heard from me. I was coordinating an event for my church and was a bit overwhelmed. You can read about the event on one of my other blogs (complete with pictures). The event was Around the World in 80 Minutes. It was a progressive dinner and silent auction. I posted different photos on www.LeAnnRice.com and www.SOJoyful.blogspot.com, and will post planning details on www.ShePlans.com as soon as I get back to updating the site. (Yes - I actually have four blogs to keep up with and, yes - I am crazy!) Anyway... take a look if you are interested. I will be happy to share details if you would like to organize this type of event at your church. It was a great evening, a great outreach event, and lots of fun!

OK - back to the Widow of Zarephath. Today on our Living with Purpose: A Radical Revolution site, a 15-year-old wrote a devotion referencing the Widow of Zarephath. It's an awesome devotion and I encourage you to visit the blog and read it. This 15-year-old has a lot to teach us old folk!

A few years ago God used the story of the Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) to teach me a valuable lesson. Ron and I did not have life insurance so I have struggled financially. I didn't have anything left after paying bills and buying groceries and other necessities so it was very difficult for me to tithe or give to others. I gave my time by volunteering at church and at the soup kitchen but I never really gave much else. God continued to tug at my heart to give to others, but I was too afraid. After a few years of living in fear, I came across the story of the Widow of Zarephath during my quiet time. I was convicted in a major way.

The next time God tugged at my heart to give to someone - I was obedient. Someone at church was having to decide if she should pay her past-due power bill so that her power would not be shut off or buy groceries for herself and her daughters. I secretely purchased a couple of bags of groceries and put them in the pastor's office with the woman's name on it. I didn't have enough money to pay all of my bills but I wasn't about to say no to God again. I stepped out in faith and total trust. And, God provided for ALL of my needs.

There was such complete and total freedom in this new way of thinking... God's way! DUH!

As Ashley pointed out in her devotion today, we need to give God our first everything. In addition to struggling with financial giving, I struggled with giving God my time FIRST. It isn't easy taking care of a home and a child while working full time. I felt the need to get everything done and then give God what was left of my time... if there was any time left to give. The moment I started giving God more of me in every way, God provided for me in every way. When I begin my day at His feet, my day has order. It is easier for me to set priorities and get done what needs to get done and just not worry about the rest.

I still struggle financially and I certainly don't write any large checks to charity. However, Nick and I can eat ramen noodles for a week so that someone else doesn't go hungry or have their power turned off. The blessings far outweigh the small sacrifice. Besides... Nick really likes ramen noodles!

Sweet Blessings,
LeAnn