Tuesday, February 3rd 2026
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: RECEIVING LIFE WHERE HOPE HAS DIED
THEME SCRIPTURE: “And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again. – 1 Kings 17:21 KJV
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Can disaster strike in a place where God is in charge?
After the miracle of daily provision, tragedy strikes. The widow’s son becomes ill and dies. The jars are still full, but the house is filled with grief. This moment reminds us that faith does not insulate us from pain. Obedience does not guarantee ease. Yet God is not absent when the miracle seems to reverse.
The widow’s response is raw and honest. She brings her anguish directly to Elijah, and Elijah carries it to God.
When Elijah receives the dead child, He does not offer explanation or theology— he prays. He stretches himself out before the Lord and pleads for life. And God responds.
This is the first recorded resurrection in Scripture. God reveals Himself not only as the One who provides daily bread, but as the Lord over life and death. Provision sustains life; resurrection restores it.
Athanasius wrote, “It was not fitting that the work of God should perish.” The boy’s life mattered because God is the giver of life, and His purposes are not undone by death. What appears final to us is not final to Him.
Notice the progression: the widow trusted God with her last meal, and now she is invited— through grief—to trust Him with her deepest loss. Faith grows not by avoiding suffering, but by encountering God within it.
Gregory the Great observed, “Often the soul is brought low so that it may learn more deeply where its hope truly lies.” The widow’s faith moves from survival to conviction. At the end she declares, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”
God sometimes allows what shakes us so that what is unshakable becomes clear.
This passage teaches us that God is not only sufficient for daily needs, but powerful enough to redeem situations that appear beyond repair. He is not limited by timing, diagnosis, or despair. The same God who sustains also restores.
Key Takeaway
God’s faithfulness is not invalidated by suffering. Even when hope seems buried, God remains present and powerful to bring life where we see only loss.
This month and beyond, set your eyes on God's faithfulness. The unexpected may arise but the all-powerful is present to deliver. Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING: 1 Kings 17
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
- Where have you experienced deep disappointment after trusting God?
- Are you willing to bring your grief honestly before Him rather than withdrawing?
- What would it look like to trust God not just for provision, but for restoration?
PRAYER
Father,
You are the Lord of life. When circumstances overwhelm me and hope feels lost, help me not to turn away from you but toward you. Teach me to trust you not only in provision, but in pain. Strengthen my faith to believe that no situation is beyond your redeeming power. I place my losses, questions, and fears into your hands. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 5-6; Psalm 34
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