Little & Leftovers: Stewarding When You Feel Left OutНамуна

Day 1: Little as Enough

A woman who had lost her husband was now left to shoulder the weight of household responsibility in the middle of a famine. I can only imagine the weight of reality hitting her as she realized there was only enough flour and oil left for one more meal. As she gathered sticks at the town gate, I imagine tears streaming down her face, knowing it would be the last meal she would prepare for her and her son.

Then, out of nowhere, appeared Elijah.

The widow was barely able to provide for herself when God directed Elijah to seek her out for food. And even though she was reluctant, she still welcomed him.

Her obedience and willingness to give what little she had resulted in a miracle, and they didn’t have to worry about food for the rest of the famine.

Many of us can relate to feeling left out or overlooked, especially when we are doing our best to follow God's leading. The widow could have easily felt abandoned by God, questioning why she was chosen to provide for Elijah when she barely had enough for herself. This feeling of being left out is often accompanied by doubt and fear. We may wonder, Why me? Why now? How can I possibly show up for others when I’m barely making ends meet for myself?

It’s normal to feel a sense of helplessness when we are called to obey God regarding sacrifice and stewardship in seasons of scarcity. I imagine the widow’s sorrow, the fear, the weight of responsibility for her son, and the humbling reality of her limited resources. But it was in this moment of desperation that God called her to an act of faith that seemed irrational.

In moments like this, our fear can sometimes be an expression of our misplaced trust in our own limited understanding, other things, or other people—or even our distrust in God. This fear and even our misplaced trust stem from the belief that our resources, whether they be financial, emotional, or physical, are too insufficient to be impactful. And if we're honest, they sometimes reveal the root of our distrust—a belief that God is not enough.

We don’t admit this often, but it’s real.

There are times in all of our lives when we feel that we will fail or be left with nothing if we step out in faith. And I want you to know that you are not alone.

But while these feelings are a natural human response, they are also reminders of where our trust should be: in God.

This passage is not an encouragement to be unwise or to give recklessly without consideration. But it is a call to be open to what God can do with what you’ve discounted or counted out altogether. It’s a reminder that stewardship is about wisely managing the resources we have right now, even when they seem insufficient. And trusting God’s guidance and being open to His leading, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

If you’ve lived enough life, you’ve probably come to learn that God’s provision often comes in unexpected ways and through unlikely means. The story of the widow at Zarephath reaffirms the reality that God's blessings aren’t always visible at first glance. Her act of faith, a decision she made even in her fear and apparent lack, opened the door for God’s miraculous provision.

Perhaps she would tell us today that even in our most helpless moments, God is still working.

Reflection:

1. Consider your current portion in this season. What are you afraid to do with it that you would do without hesitation if you felt like you had enough?

Blessing:

In this season,

may you shift your perspective

from scarcity to abundance.

From fear to faith.

May you trust that God can

and will

provide,

even when you feel you have nothing left to give.

And when you feel left out or overlooked,

may you remember that God sees you

and can use your little

for much.

May you grow in faithfulness with what you have,

and may God’s sufficiency fill in the gaps.