Blog post September 19, 2026

Shattered expectations!

Then he(Elijah) cried out to the Lord and said, "O Lord my God, have you also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?" 1 Kings 17:20

Elijah, the widow and her son, had been experiencing daily miracles as God kept their flour and oil from running out during a severe drought.

The expectation was God's favor and blessing would continue.

But the child became ill and died... Elijah was staying with a widow and her son deep in Baal country. The Canaanites believed that Baal had to submit periodically to the god of death, Mot.

God has a purpose in all things. Here He demonstrated not only His power to sustain life by providing flour and oil daily in a time of drought, but also His power to overcome death.

It made no sense that God would save the widow and her son from starving only to let the boy die while she was hosting God's prophet. Yet God's ways are not mans ways.

In the Bible, crying out with hard questions is a form of lament, not a total loss of faith. Instead of turning away from God, Elijah took the boy to his room and poured out his confusion to prompt God's compassion and power. God answered Elijah's bold prayer, and the boys's life returned to him.

As I think of the story it would've been natural for Elijah to say to the widow, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss, and walk away. He could've finished out his days being depressed and discouraged. But he took what he didn't understand straight to the Lord and prayed until he got an answer. Not once, not twice, but as long as it took.

Lord, we live with Your blessings every day. It is easy for us to think that they will continue. When our life takes a turn and things get confusing (hard), we often become discouraged rather that trusting in Your sovereignty. Please forgive our lack of faith and help us to stay on our knees until we get an answer, even if it is an answer like Paul got, which was My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Thank You that we can pray through our confusion and bring our questions to You without offense. In Jesus name. AMEN