The Last Bit

At times I am exhausted, but everyone still needs a piece of me. The demands are relentless. I may feel like I just need to take care of myself with the last bit that I have.

1 Kings 17:8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16 She had nothing left to give, except a little bit. She was resigned. The country was in a drought. She just wanted that last bit for herself and her son.

It may feel like I’ve given it all. That I’m just going to eat this and die. God knows this is all I have. Sometimes He asks that I give Him the last bit.

The prophet asked for something doable and acceptable – that wasn’t a sacrifice – first. Then he asked for what she had left.

Christ gave his last bit. He asked, “Can I just keep this life? Is there any way?” He was an example of giving the last bit.

It's good to give your best and whole heart, but sometimes our best is gone. If I don’t have my best, then give what you have.

1 Kings 17:8 There is sustaining power when I give my last bit. It may turn out to be enough to sustain someone else. This may be what shows the goodness of God. It can give hope.

It doesn’t say God told the widow the prophet was coming. If I already know what a difference it will make it wouldn’t feel like a sacrifice.

This isn’t about burnout or making oneself sick. I am not to run myself ragged so I cannot give anymore. It is reasonable service if God asks for it. If I can never inconvenience myself for someone else, I am withholding the last bit for God. If I continue to hold back because I am too tired or want to take time for myself, when will the time come that I am not tired?

1 Kings 17:13 My giving has surety. The prophet didn’t leave her without hope. He didn’t say, “Make me a cake and then you can die.”

1 Kings 17:15,16 The obedience of giving and willingness to follow through opens up God's abundance. She thought she was getting one meal but she had many days of meals. God will sustain me.

She said, “God knows I have nothing left.” He knows it my last, even if those that have the last bit even if they don’t appreciate or notice it. It is worth something to God.

Luke 6:38 God will take care of me, even if I can only give a little bit. God gives back abundant and overflowing. This allows me to give even more!

God sustained her until the rain came and she had another way to be sustained.

Fear not! If I feel as I have nothing left to give and give it to God, He will sustain me. The widow also was afraid, but the prophet reassured her.

Matthew 15:32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39 Jesus asked for what they had. He gave thanks for it. And it was enough that everyone was filled.