Make It for Me First

1 Kings 17:13 & 16
"And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. . . And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah."

Elijah's request to have his food made first appears almost selfish at first glance. This widow had no one to provide for her, and had probably been fending for herself for some time. She had probably been very frugal and sacrificial, attempting to save the life of her son. Yet Elijah makes his request.

However Elijah's request comes with a promise and the admonition - "Fear not." Think of the faith exercised by the widow. Elijah had no proof of his claims, as far as we know, she didn't even know who exactly he was, he had no track record as of yet. Yet she obeyed.

And as the Lord promised, He took care of her. Think of the timing as well. The widow was down to her last handful of meal. God could hardly have cut it any closer. Elijah was waiting in the wilderness by the brook while this widow watched her food supply be used up day by day. As someone once said, God is never late, but seldom early.

Again we see God teaching His children patience coupled with faith. What situation has brought me to my "last handful of meal"? How have I seen God come through in His timing?