This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Kings 17:7-24, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Elijah. One day, the brook that he had been drinking from dried up because there was no rain in the land. But God had a plan for Elijah, and He told him to go to a town called Zarephath where a widow would feed him.
So Elijah went to Zarephath and saw a widow gathering sticks. He asked her for a little water to drink, and while she was getting it, he also asked her for some bread. But the widow told him that she only had a handful of flour and a little oil left, and she was going to use it to make one last meal for herself and her son before they died.
But Elijah said, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” So the widow did what Elijah said, and she, Elijah, and her household ate for many days. Just as God had promised, the jar of flour and the jug of oil never ran out.
Later, the widow’s son became very sick, and he stopped breathing. The widow was very upset and thought that Elijah had come to her to punish her for her sins by causing the death of her son. But Elijah took her son and went to his room. He cried out to God, asking Him to bring the boy back to life. He laid on the boy three times and prayed to God. God listened to Elijah’s prayers, and the boy came back to life!
The widow was amazed and knew that Elijah was a man of God. She knew that God’s word was true and that He had sent Elijah to help her and her son.
Biblical Lessons
- God is always with us, even in our darkest moments, and He can provide for us when we trust in Him.
- God can use anyone, even a poor widow, to carry out His plans and do amazing things.
- Sometimes, God asks us to do something that may seem impossible, but if we have faith, He will provide for us and bless us.
- We can trust in God’s promises because He always keeps His word.
Related Stories
Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
Must-Read Christian Books
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
God's Big Picture
Traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a clear, Christ-centered way.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
A concise, biblical study of Christ's atonement and the application of salvation to believers.
View on Amazon
Concise Theology
Short, Scripture-filled summaries of key doctrines, written with clarity and warmth.
View on Amazon
The Mortification of Sin
A Puritan classic urging believers to put sin to death by the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
The Gospel Comes with a House Key
A call to radical, everyday hospitality as a means of gospel witness and discipleship.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Christian Mission in the Modern World
Clarifies key biblical concepts like evangelism, mission, and social action.
View on Amazon