Some time ago Elisa led us in conversations about "tables" and how certain mealtimes moved the story of the Bible forward. For these two weeks Bill wants the group to consider the opposite—how famines (or the lack of food) was a catalyst for biblical events and a force for change in the lives of the characters of the Scriptures.
Receive
As we ponder why God allowed His people throughout Scripture to experience famines, we can see that God was still working to draw them closer to Him. God is at work in our life as well. When we face hardships and difficulties in our life, let’s remember that God is near.
How does reading about how God provided for men and women throughout the Bible help remind you that He is faithful to help you through any trial you may face?
What could drawing closer to God even during difficulties look like for you?
Reflect
* Why did God allow someone as faithful as the prophet Elijah to suffer through a famine as we read in 1 Kings 18:2 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2018%3A2&version=NIV )?
* During famines, how did God provide for Elijah in 1 Kings 17:7–11 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017%3A7-11&version=NIV ) and Elisha in 2 Kings 4:38– 41 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%204%3A38-41&version=NIV )?
* Why did the four men with leprosy mentioned in 2 Kings 7:3–5 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%207%3A3-5&version=NIV ) respond to the famine the way they did?
* Why did Jesus mention a famine in His parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:14 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015%3A14&version=NIV )?
* Based on Romans 8:35 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208%3A35&version=NIV ), not even famine can separate us from God’s love. How does knowing that truth encourage you during difficult times?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Dear God, thank You that You love me and provide for me even during the most difficult times. Please help me to draw closer to You, even when I’m experiencing a famine or lack in my life. Help me to trust Your unending goodness, grace, and mercy.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
* Joseph ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-joseph ) by Bill Crowder
* Tables in the Story of God Week 1 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-tables-1-archive )
* Tables in the Story of God Week 2 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-tables-2-archive )
* The Book of Naomi ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-naomi-archive )
* The Gospel of Ruth ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-gospel-of-ruth-archive )
* Inseparable ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-inseperable-archive )
* God Is At Work—The Story of Ruth Part 1—The Worst of Times ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-god-is-at-work-archive )
Listen:
* The Miraculous life of Elisha | Part 1 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-elisha-1-archive )
* The Miraculous Life of Elisha–Part 2 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-elisha-2-archive )
Read:
* Faithful to the Faithful: 2 Kings 4 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-faithful-to-the-faithful )
* Why Should I Trust God? ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-why-should-i-trust-god )
Watch:
* Trusting God in the Dark with Katie Lewis (Unshakable Moxie) ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-unshakable-moxie-katie-lewis )
* God Is at Work in All Things | Romans 8:28-29 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-god-is-at-work-in-all-things )
Discover the Word Podcast
Episode 273
July 19, 2026
★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e99a6656
★ Additional episodes: https://discovertheword.org/