1 Kings 17:8–16 Then the word of the LORD came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.’ ” She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.

Our Pastor’s Bible Class yesterday had us consider this account of the Widow of Zarephath. Elijah made it very clear that God would provide for her and her son if she would provide for him, and that is what happened. As the discussion progressed, I wondered how she reacted that first day when she realized the flour and oil were not consumed. I would imagine she was overjoyed, ecstatic and grateful. The next day, she likely had similar feelings about the blessing she received. However, as time passed, I would guess the newness wore off and she came to expect that the flour and oil would never run dry. She took it for granted. In fact, I am sure she would have been upset if she went to the jars and found them empty!

I think we all get that way about the blessings we receive from God, don’t we? The children of Israel were grateful for the manna they received from God in the wilderness, at least at first. But then they started grumbling that they were tired of God’s gracious provision and wanted a variety in their menu.

Imagine I had someone who graciously decided to give me $1000 a week. I didn’t ask for it or do anything to deserve it. It was simply a gift. Week after week it was given to me. I was extremely grateful for it at first. But after a while, I planned on it being there and expected it to show up at the beginning of every week. Then all at once it stopped. I would grumble and complain about not getting something I never worked for, that had been a blessing, but I came to think I deserved it. I took it for granted, thinking it would always be available.

I fear we are in danger of being too complacent with the greatest blessing God has given to us, the forgiveness of our sins for Jesus’ sake. He earned it, not us. He gives it freely, we do nothing to merit it. We need to see it as the precious and tremendous blessing that it is. God will not take it away, because He has promised it to all who put their trust and faith and confidence in Jesus as Savior. I’m just giving you a reminder to see it for the undeserved blessing that it is. Offer a prayer of thanks today for the God’s gracious provision in your life.