The other day I was reading 2 Kings 4:1-7. It's the story of the Widow's Olive Oil. This widow came to the Prophet Elisha fearful because a creditor had threatened to take her two sons as slaves unless she paid the debt that she owed. Elisha asked her,"What do you have in your house?" (2 Kings 4:2).
"Nothing except a small jar of olive oil," she replied.
At that point, Elisha told her, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 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.”
Once the jars were filled, Elisha told her to "sell the olive oil and pay your debts and there will be enough money left over to support you and your sons."
She came to Elisha at her wit's end - she was in desperation, and her back was against the wall. There are so many lessons here, but a few takeaways and my reason for this message is to encourage you with these
SEVEN LESSONS FROM THE WIDOW WITH THE OLIVE OIL
1. When you are in "trouble," seek Godly wisdom to gain a new perspective.
2. Use what you have to get what you need.
3. Sow where you want to go. This widow only had one small jar of olive oil. Yet, she was instructed to POUR IT OUT. Don't be tempted to hold on to something because you can't see where the next supply will come from. God's math is different and He will multiply your seed if you trust Him.
4. This poor widow woman became a distribution channel for the Kingdom of God with just one small jar of oil.
5. She did not depend on just her own supply. She sought her neighbors and friends' resources, and they invested in this new venture. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
6. She was quickly able to sell her product because she was providing something that everyone needed at the time.
7. Even in the midst of her own problems, she was a solution. God gave her SUPERNATURAL ABUNDANCE, RESOURCES, AND PROVISION because she obeyed His Word.
In this widow's indebted state, God made her an #entrepreneur. She used what she had, despite how weak/scared she felt, and the Lord turned her biggest misery into her greatest miracle, and He will do the same for you.
Be encouraged today. In your place of weakness, you will find your greatest strength - God.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
- Natasha Brown Watson
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