Seeing no possible way out of her situation, she called on the man of God to do something. His response? – How can I help? (2 Kings 4:2). Most likely Elisha had little money himself and solving someone elses financial problems seemed impossible. He then went on to ask her, What do you have in your house? This is such a practical response to the problem. She tells him that she has nothing at all except a little oil and Elisha commands her to collect jars from her friends and then fill them with the oil she has. Miraculously the oil doesnt run out until the last jar is full, giving her enough to sell to repay her debts and live on.
This story gives an insight into the infinitely practical and yet miraculous way that God works in our lives. When faced with situations that seem impossible, we are first commanded to look at what we do have. What resources do you have that might enable you to help yourself? What gifts are you blessed with that you can use to bless others? What little do you have that you can share with those around you? As a starting point, evaluating the things that we have empowers us to be responsible for our own lives.
This is not enough, though. We still need to take the little we have and offer it to God in prayer, trusting that He will multiply it for our provision and for the glory of His kingdom. The little oil that the woman had was not enough to fill the jars she had, never mind all of the jars in the neighbourhood. On her own she could never have worked herself out of debt, but when she trusted in Gods provision, he worked a miracle in her situation.
God has blessed us with an intellect, health, reasoning skills and determination, but he has also set it up that we must rely on him for his provision and strength. Zimbabweans are notoriously adept at making a plan in even the most trying circumstances, but at some point our plans must yield to His plan and our wills must bend to His.
As you cry out to God in the midst of your circumstances, hear him ask, What do you have in your house? and allow him to open your eyes to the ways in which you can work out what He has worked in you.
Post published in: Opinions