The first gumball machines were introduced in the United States around 1907 – a gumball for a penny. While the price and style has changed in a hundred years, one can still find machines that vend gum and candy very similar to the original ones.

Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.

I Kings 17:24

The widow in today’s passage provided for Elijah although she didn’t have much to offer. Even though she honored God, her son fell ill and died. The woman was angry with God and Elijah. She put in her coin of obedience. Shouldn’t she get a gumball or good fortune? Elijah felt the widow’s concern and took his doubts to the Lord. “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow…by killing her son?” (I Kings 17:20) Through Elijah, God raised her son from the dead.

Do you sometimes feel like you put in your penny but didn’t receive your gumball? True faith doesn’t work that way. God can do even greater things when you trust completely. Ask Him to increase your faith, the faith of your national leaders, and the faith of all believers in America.

Recommended Reading: I Kings 17:17-24