Elijah's Story...
"It’s about the partnership.”
In a ministry that relies solely on the financial support of others, having
the faith to trust God to meet your needs can sometimes place you in a frightening
position. However, it’s important to remember that God has designed
each of us to operate in a spirit of partnership with one another to accomplish
His purposes.
In I Kings 17, we find a beautiful story of how God orchestrates a ministry
partnership to do just that. God tells Elijah, the prophet, to go to Zarepath
of Sidon for He had “commanded a widow...to supply you with food.”
Elijah did not know this woman. This woman was foreign and a widow probably
with humble means and without status. But he did as God directed. As a result
of her faith as well, God provided for the physical needs of both Elijah
and the widow and her family. But I believe there is much more to this story.
More than providing for them physically, they were given the privilege to
participate in His plan and see His activity. As a result, they experienced
His power. Because of each one’s obedience, Elijah was present when
her son died and was the vessel God used to display His power in bringing
the boy back to life. By participating, the widow got to see Elijah’s
God and declared, “Now I know your God is true.” From out of
one of the most unlikely places — Jezebel’s home territory,
from one of the most unlikely persons — not even an Israelite, God’s
name was proclaimed. And it would resonate for generations to come.
Just as with Elijah and the widow, the choice is ours. By participating
we get to experience this same Power. We get to witness
Him working. We get to see God. Isn’t that what it’s
all about? Isn’t that the point of following Christ?
At SMI, we believe part of our role in the Kingdom is to facilitate partnerships
between individuals and ministry minded people and organizations. We want
to participate. We want to see God powerfully provide for His plans for
SMI. We watch. We wait. We listen. We hope. We believe. And many times from
unlikely places, He moves. And we smile and wonder at His goodness. Was
there ever any doubt?