The answer is: Wood

1 Ki 17:10

When Elijah first crossed paths with the widow of Zarephath, he found her collecting sticks, likely to build a fire for cooking. This seemingly simple act was rooted in a context of desperation—there was a severe drought in the land, resulting in famine. The widow was gathering wood not just for sustenance, but to prepare a final meal for herself and her son before they resigned to starvation.

What’s intriguing about this encounter is the display of faith amidst hopelessness. The widow, feeling utterly diminished in spirit, responded to Elijah's request for water and bread, showcasing resilience and a willingness to share even when she had so little. In another famous biblical story, Jesus mentioned this same widow when He declared how prophets weren’t always welcomed in their own towns (Luke 4:24-26), highlighting her faith during a time when many turned away from God's call.

Elijah’s miracle came as a profound reminder that divine blessings can flow from the most unlikely sources, turning scarcity into abundance. Can you picture what it must’ve been like for her when her flour and oil kept replenishing? Beyond the miracle itself, it’s a testament to connectedness and community—helping one another even in dire times can create paths for unimaginable provisions. In a world often filled with division, the widow's spirit encourages us to hold on and look out for each other—some miracles are just waiting for a moment of shared courage!