DoublePortion_October2023_8.5x5.5_REV.indd

When Haman, chief minister of Persian King Ahasuerus, hatched a plan to annihilate the Jews, Queen Esther intervened to save them.What’s amazing is that Esther was a Jew herself, from the tribe of Benjamin, orphaned and raised by her cous in Mordecai. Only God could have orchestrated such a divine chain of events in which she replaced the deposed QueenVashti and rose to such a position of influence (Esther 4:13,14). The disciples, most of whom were fishermen lacking formal education, took on the task of delivering the Gospel to the world. When a traveler found himself robbed and left for dead on the side of the road in one of Jesus’ parables, it was a hated Samaritan who stopped to help.The Jewish priest and Levite were either too busy or afraid of getting involved. And remember the available young lad who provided the lunch for 5000.Who knew food would come from such an unexpected source? Above all, who would have ever thought the Savior of the world would grow up the son of a carpen ter in the out-of-the-way town of Nazareth. If you’re tired of just surviving rather than thriving, particu larly in a crisis, consider help from unexpected places. Finally: Rely on and respond to the promises of God. Once the brook dried up, God said, “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food” (1 Kings 17:9). Carefully note Elijah’s response, “So he went” (1 Kings 17:10). Shortly thereafter, when the poor widow received direc tion from the prophet to return home to bake and bring bread to him, “she went away and did as Elijah had told her” (1 Kings 17:15). Once again, as depicted in chapter one, we see evidence of swift obedience. Such action is vital, especially during troubling times. Observe, as well, that Elijah prefaced his words by reassuring the woman, “Don’t be afraid” (1 Kings 17:13). Sources claim that some form of these words occur 365 times in Scripture, one for each day of the year.

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