Gospel Outreach International

Have you ever wondered how God works through difficult circumstances in our lives? In this Bible study on 1 Kings 17:17-24, we explore the powerful story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, whose faith was tested through the death and resurrection of her son. This passage reveals important truths about how God uses trials to refine our faith and draw us closer to Him.

And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” 1 Kings 17:18

• Elijah and the widow were both being obedient to God’s commands when this trial occurred, demonstrating that difficulties can arise even when we’re in God’s will.
• The death of the widow’s son was unexpected and traumatic, causing an initial wavering of her faith despite her previous trust in God’s provision.
• Elijah responded calmly to the crisis, taking the situation to God in prayer and asking for the impossible - the restoration of the boy’s life.
• The trial served as a refining process (Zarephath means “place of refining”) to strengthen both the widow’s and Elijah’s faith.
• God’s purpose in allowing trials is to make believers more Christ-like, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:18.

And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives”. 1 Kings 17:23

God speaks and answers through His sovereign work in our lives, even in circumstances that may initially appear devastating. He is intimately involved in every detail, allowing trials not to harm us but to refine and strengthen our faith. When we bring our concerns to Him in prayer, He responds according to His perfect will and timing. Sometimes His answer comes through miraculous intervention, as with the widow’s son, while other times He provides comfort, wisdom, and peace as we trust Him through difficulties. The key is maintaining a heart of faith that seeks to learn from every situation, asking not “Why did you allow this?” but rather “What do you want to teach me through this?”

This Bible study powerfully illustrates how Jesus works in our lives through trials to strengthen our faith. Just as He worked through Elijah to bring life from death, He continues to work in believers’ lives today, using every circumstance - even painful ones - to transform us into His image. The widow’s final declaration “Now I know” reminds us that our trials can lead to deeper assurance of God’s faithfulness and power in our lives.

Bible References

• 1 Kings 17:17-24
• 2 Corinthians 3:18
• Hebrews 11:36
• Psalm 34:7
• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• Psalm 119:75
• 1 Peter 1:6-7
• 1 John 3
• Romans 8