Today, we read a story from 2 Kings 4:1-7, the widow’s olive oil. Several of the first chapters of 2 Kings are about Elisha’s life and ministry. Right before our passage is a story of Moab revolting but the Lord delivering Moab into the hands of Israel. After our passage comes God working through Elisha to bring back the Shunammite woman’s son to life and other miracles. As we read today’s passage, try to put yourself in the shoes of the widow and think about the faith she displayed.

The Widow’s Olive Oil

4 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

² Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”

“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”

³ Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. ⁴ Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”

⁵ She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. ⁶ When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.”

But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.

⁷ She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

We do not know much else about this woman and her sons, but she knew who could help her. She also was not afraid to bring what little she had for it be used by God. As soon as she received instruction, she put her faith into action and the oil did not run dry until they filled the last jar. God can do immeasurably more than we ask and should never be put or tried to be kept in a box. He wants to use us and live inside us – we just need to believe in Him and put our trust in Him.

This also reminds me of when the leadership team put our Vision statement together. The first drafts were about glorifying God by positively impacting our communities, but they kept on receiving the nudge to think bigger. This turned it quickly into what we know today, “To glorify God by positively impacting the world.” We still have no clue the full extent God wants to use us and His company, which I find so exciting, – but back then we knew even less. We had no idea the impact we could make and the organizations like Tesfa we would support.

God wants to use you. Do not limit Him. Put your faith and trust in the Lord, pursue Him daily, and keep your heart open to the work of the Holy Spirit.

2 Kings 4:1-7 NIV - The Widow’s Olive Oil - The wife of a - Bible Gateway