1st Kings 17:12 And she said, As the Lord thy God lives I have not a cake, but a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
Again, the question is asked, what should the widow woman do in such a grave situation? Let us say she was living today in Gaza, where food and water are quite scarce to say the least, and her son has been reduced to a skeleton. If God were to send His servant to request her water that is almost gone, what should she do, and what is the right thing for the you and me to do, if we were in her shoes.
Without a murmur, the widow goes on to acknowledge God as the Giver of all things. But the test of faithfulness hits even closer to home when Elijah asks her to make him some bread from her scanty store. This second test will definitely put her life on the line, for it was barely enough for her and her son….. 1st kings 17:11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.
This brings us to an understanding of the command to return a faithful tithe and offering, because God does not ask us to do so without giving us promises to support our faith, especially in times of adversity. Thus, the real question at the heart of the issue is whether or not we would trust God at His word, or whether we will go with logical reasoning that seeks to justify a deviation from principle, because of dire circumstances.
1st Kings 17:13 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.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!