This poem is based on 1 Kings 17:8-16. I used it with a sermon a few months ago.

Her life was nearly over as she gathered firewood.
With her last grain and oil she’d make them something good.
In her poverty and hunger she would lie down to rest
go to sleep and not wake up – she knew that was the best.

Elijah came along to this woman who was bereft.
“First feed me,” he said to her, “then you can eat what’s left.
He made a crazy promise which surely led to doubt.
“After you have fed me,” your food will not run out.

Can you believe the faith it took for her to feed him first?
She had given him some water to take away his thirst.
She fed him first and then herself and her little boy.
This selfless act was an opening to the greatest joy.

The grain was not empty and the oil did not fail.
She had all she needed as she walked along life’s trail.
Had she ignored the command Elijah made that day
There’d be no good news to share in any way.

Perhaps our joy is running low as we struggle with our lack.
Would we only learn what we give God -- is truly given back.
To put God first in all we do is the message of this tale.
Serve God through serving others – and you’ll have a loaded pail.