The prophet’s widow

She was a destitute widow whose husband had been a prophet. How he died is uncertain but what we know is that Elisha met her in the midst of her misgivings and pain. Her heart was heavy. She began, “Your servant my husband is dead. You know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

What Elisha did was to send her to go to all of her neighbors and ask for empty jars. When she returned, she brought back pots and jars of all sizes. Then as Elisha instructed, she took her two sons into the room, closed the door, picked up her one pot with the little oil in it, and started pouring. Miraculously, one after another, the borrowed pots were filled until there were no empty pots. Only then did the flow of oil stop.

God doesn’t ask for what you don’t have. He’s concerned with how you use what you do have, and whether you do what you can do.

If you have never had your back to the wall, gone one-on-one with God, your heart filled with fear, and experienced His help, you wouldn’t believe me no matter what I say. But the fact is you can bring your empty life to God and let Him fill you with His love and power.

“Go sell the oil and pay for your debts,” said Elisha, “and you and your sons can live on what is left” (2 Kings 4:7). God’s supply of love and power is never-ending. Strange math, but it works. You can prove that for yourself.

Used with permission from Guidelines Philippines, Inc. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, please write to Box 4000, 1280 Makati City, Philippines or e-mail address [email protected]. You may also visit our website at www.guidelines.org.