WE ALL have stuff going on in our lives, some show it more than others—but what distinguishes us is how we handle them.
The Narrative
THINGS HAD NOSEDIVED since her husband's passing. There were no easy answers to her questions.
Her peace had turned into distress and her light into darkness, but she did not give up.
The widow took the bull by the horn, she went to the prophet with a plea.
'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 Kings 4:1)
Where to go when you're challenged
THE WIDOW remembered her husband's genealogy—she went to God.
She understood that her network is her net worth.
Since we have a High Priest in Christ Jesus, let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Your network is your net worth
What do you have?
EVERYTHING she experienced reminded her of what she didn't have.
But Elisha said to her, "Tell me what you have in your house."
"Your servant has nothing there at all, except a small jar of olive oil," she replied. (2 Kings 4:2)
Whenever you see a cup as half-empty instead of half-full, you miss the point.
When you focus on what you don't have, there is a tendency to be ungrateful for what you have.
Go and Ask
AFTER HER acknowledgement, Elisha told her what to do.
"Borrow as many large empty containers as you can. Ask neighbours for anything they can give to you. Be sure to collect a lot of them." (2 Kings 4:3)
The widow had to go borrowing because she needed more vessels to contain what God wanted to do.
He will always do 'exceedingly, abundantly more than, we can ask or imagine by His power that works within us." (Ephesians 3:20)
She got the wisdom to solve her issue. The word ignited her faith and set her on the path to sufficiency.
Today, the issue with the world is wisdom.
And the bible says, "Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; love her-she keeps her eye on you." (Proverbs 4:6)
Close Your Door
ELISHA told her to shut her door behind her.
'Enclose yourself in a room with only you and your sons. Pour oil into as many of the containers as you can. Set aside the full ones.' (2 Kings 4:4)
The miracle was for her and her family. She had to shut her door to prevent distraction.
And when she poured the oil, it continued to flow till she ran out of containers.
God's glory overcame her suffering. She began to live again.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
THE WIDOW knew Elisha had the word of God. She went to him, and God came through for her.
If you're not broken, you can't be healed. If you're not empty, you can't be filled.
To contain whatever you're going through, you must lay your burden at the foot of the cross—where freedom is found.