In America, where I live, many families have struggled with financial hardships. As the economy went from bad to worse, over the years, businesses closed their doors, many people lost their jobs, banks stopped loaning as much money, and luxuries some once indulged in were no longer purchased. Budgets got tighter, pennies were pinched, and the strain took its toll on marriages, many ending in separation or divorce.
Perhaps you have had your share of financial difficulties. It is unpleasant but so common. As the economy is boosted, credit card companies entice individuals to buy now, pay later, and as the debt piles up we are left with more month than money. It seems like there is no end to the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. What do we do when we are staring financial ruin in the face? Where do we turn for help?
Let’s start with my favorite resource for help: God’s Word!
2 Kings 4:1-7
1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not anything in the house, save a pot of oil.
3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
6 And it came to pass when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.
I get what you are thinking. You don’t see how this story applies to you today in your struggles. You might think this is a neat little story tucked into the Old Testament but look at what it is saying. A widow is now a single mother with sons that are going to be taken from her to be sold as slaves to pay for the debt she owes. Have you ever been at the point of losing your children? That would be more than hard times. That would be devastating!
She does not have any idea how she and her children can survive this situation. She reminds the prophet Elisha that her husband feared the LORD. The first thing you need to do is go to God and remember who you belong to! Tell God your problem! He already knows but tell Him anyway. Ask God to give you the solution!
The prophet asks her what she has to work with. The only thing she had was a pot of oil. Remember how the little boy only had some fish and bread? Little is much when it is in the hands of God. Watch Him multiply the little in your hands. The oil represents the anointing. You may not have much but you have the Holy Spirit inside of you if you belong to God.
He tells her to borrow a lot of empty vessels. In other words, when you are expecting a miracle, expect BIG results from God.
He tells her to shut the door on her sons and herself. Do not invite others to be a spectator or to give their advice. Close the door on negativity and unbelief. Include only the people directly affected by your problem.
In verse five we see that she obeyed him. The key to getting the answer you need is to do exactly what God tells you to do. No matter how silly it may sound or even if it makes no sense at the time, you must obey every thing that God tells you to do.
She kept pouring the oil without any regard to how much she had already filled and how many vessels were remaining. She kept her eyes on the oil that was being poured out, and she did not look up until she needed another vessel. Stay focused on what He tells you to do.
She obeyed the man of God and when he told her to sell the oil she had enough money to pay her debts and to live on the rest and provide for her children. When God tells you to do something and you obey you will have enough for all of your needs for today and He will meet all of your needs in the future.
God has a plan for your life. He wants us all to experience the abundant life He came to give. We won’t all be wealthy but we are promised that God will supply all our needs! Will you trust Him today? Start pouring! God is waiting to bless you!
I hope you will experience God’s peace in the midst of your financial crisis. May you draw from today’s lesson strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!
~Bridgett Owens
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