Turning the Corner

The word of the Holy One came to Elijah saying, “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” – 1 Kings 17:8-9 (NRSV)

Elijah and the widow met each other at a very particular time in each other’s lives. A time when God was prepared to bring them increase.

They were desperate. And they found each other. As they were assigned to do.

I imagine that a number of us are praying that the same will happen now. We need God to turn us a corner. To take our widow moments and send us an Elijah.

And here’s my guess:

There’s an Elijah in each of our lives. Someone there to show up who will help us to understand just how much we have to give and to share.

But maybe it means admitting just how tough it’s been. Maybe it means looking at our neighbor as a blessing, not a curse. Maybe it means we have to shift everything about our perception of who we are and what we have.

But maybe—just maybe—as we do, we entertain prophets or even angels in our midst.

Maybe—just maybe—we already are.

Prayer
God you send us and gift us so much. Help us to know your gifts as the blessings they are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

About the Author
Kaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.