But First

“Then she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar, and see I am gathering  a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.'”  1 Kings 17:12

“And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me, and afterward make some for yourself and your son.'”  1 Kings 17:13

The widow was at the end of her rope when Elijah said, “but make me a small cake from it first.”

Lord, when things look the worst for us, we desire to listen for Your “but firsts”.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

But First

We pray for healing over and over
but nothing’s happening
so Lord, let us fast and pray
just one more time again.

When changes just aren’t coming
and we’ve hit a dead end
oh Lord, let us worship You
and thank You for where we’ve been.

When it looks like we should give up
there isn’t anything more to do
let us listen for the “but first”
that always comes from You.