Joy A. Mead

Imagine your spouse dying and just as you and your two sons are grieving the loss of a husband and father, debt collectors come to demand their payment. And if it cannot be paid, your sons might be taken away as slaves.

This desperate and serious situation is found in 2 Kings 4:1-7. The widow, knowing she has nothing to pay off the creditors, seeks help from the prophet Elisha. She is asked what she has in her house, but all the widow can find is a small amount of oil. Elisha instructs her very specifically to gather as many jars as she can, go home, and start pouring oil into each jar. 

Miraculously, as she pours, the oil keeps flowing until each and every jar that she has is full! Elisha then instructs her to sell the oil, enabling her to settle her husband’s debts and still have some funds leftover to take care of herself and her boys. Practically and spiritually, this amazing miracle of God’s provision, helped save the widow and her boys that day.

Like many stories in the Bible, this beautiful example reminds us that God cares about our lives and all of the many practicalities. Particularly in today’s world of growing costs for food, utilities, and mortgages, it can be tempting to succumb to fear and worry. Yet, faith is our better option, trusting that God knows our needs before we ask (Matthew 6:8) and He will provide for us. 

Is there something that is weighing on your heart today? Maybe a financial need? Perhaps the need for a peaceful resolution with a family member or work colleague? Or the need for emotional, spiritual, or physical strength to keep going?

Whatever your burden, be assured from the Widow’s Oil story that God wants to help you and to provide for your needs. Keep praying and having faith that somehow, even when it can be so difficult for us to see how, God will be faithful to supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).

Dear God,

Thank you that you cared about the widow and her boys—that you provided for their needs and looked after them.

I present to you the burdens that I have been trying to carry on my own. I lay down my pride, fear, and worry of how things will work out.

Help grow my faith in this season of life, knowing that you will lovingly look after each of your people. I trust that you will answer in your timing.

Have your way in me and my family.

Bless and keep us close to your heart.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen