Lessons from the Widow of Zarephath

This past year I have had the opportunity to attend seminary. Besides the early mornings, I have really enjoyed getting to study the Old Testament and learn more about the Gospel.

When figuring out what I wanted to share from my seminary experience this year, I decided to go through my study journal and go over my notes and thoughts. One page I came across referenced 1 Kings chapter 17. This chapter tells the story of the widow of Zarephath who was preparing her last meal for herself and her son when the prophet Elijah visited. He asked for some water and a morsel of bread when she shared that they only had enough left for one last meal together before they died. In verses 13 and 15 it says, “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 she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days”.

This is one of my favourite stories in the Old Testament because of the lessons it teaches. When learning about this in class I was able to relate this widow’s story to my personal experience with following the prophet's counsel and faith. Her story was able to teach me a highly important lesson about the Lord, His love for us and the His messengers. Although she was struggling and in need, she gave up what she had and put her faith and trust in the Lord and His prophet.

At times when I am struggling and worried about certain decisions or trials in my life, I know that I can turn to the prophet’s counsel and act in faith. I may not always feel at peace with my choices or completely on track with what I do straight away, but I know that with time as I trust in Him I will be blessed with the Lord’s love.

Another lesson that we focussed on when studying this chapter was about how faith proceeds miracles and how we will be blessed when we make sacrifices. Trials in life may come often but with faith we can overcome them.

Thomas S. Monson spoke about this in one of his conference talks from October 2000. He shared: “Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith–and then the miracle. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith.”

I am so thankful for seminary this year and our amazing teachers. I truly feel blessed to have been in their lessons and will always appreciate all their work. They always put so much time and effort into their lessons and I hope they know the impact they have made. I’m grateful for all I have been able to learn and experience in seminary this year and I’m excited for what is to come.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

From a Sacrament Meeting talk given in Adelaide, South Australia