ToddGaddisBook_October2023_8.5x5.5.indd

directed him to a poor widow–a poor Gentile widow at that.This brings Rahab, another Gentile, to mind.When two spies represent ing Joshua needed protection and subsequent help escaping danger in Jericho, this Gentile prostitute came through with flying colors. Her appearance in the genealogy of Jesus adds to the amazement (Matthew 1:5). 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 cousin Mordecai. Only God could have orchestrated such a divine chain of events in which she replaced the deposed Queen Vashti 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

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