When we dedicate ourselves to serving God, His anointing continues to flow through us, as we become vessels for His glory.

Elijah, the prophet who boldly declared himself a servant of the Lord before Achab, witnessed this power as the word of God activated in his life. He spoke, and the rain ceased at his command.

Despite the severe drought that struck the land, even impacting Elijah, he was spared due to his service. Just as a laborer earns his wages, Elijah received provision from God, who sent ravens to miraculously feed him day and night.

However, God does not allow His servants to remain in comfort indefinitely. When Elijah settled by the brook, God redirected him to a widow in Zarephath—an unlikely source, given her poor circumstances. She had scarcely enough for herself and her son, yet Elijah, following God’s command, asked her for water and bread.

God often uses the most unexpected individuals to accomplish His purposes.

This widow, despite her poverty, became a critical part of God’s plan. This reminds us never to underestimate or undervalue anyone, as God sees beyond what we understand.

Elijah’s request to be served first is symbolic, a reminder that we must offer God our first, trusting that He will provide for our needs.

This act of service echoes the story of another woman in the New Testament who anointed Jesus with costly perfume. Despite the disapproval of others, she understood the importance of serving God with the best she had.

Both women—one in Elijah’s time and one in the time of Jesus—understood the significance of serving God firstly.

In return, both were blessed, the widow had food every day when a severe drought hit the land; for the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. As for the other woman, as Jesus foretold, we continue to speak in memory of her, a demonstration that God rewards those who honor Him with their service.