“When the containers were all full, she said to her son, “Bring me another container.” And he said to her, “There is not a one left.” Then the oil stopped [multiplying]. Then she came and told the man of God. He said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.” – 2 Kings 4:6-7 (AMP)
God is always interested in every area of a man’s life and there is no part He wouldn’t want to show His power, most especially when he allows Him to. Prophet Elisha received an emergency visitor on a beautiful morning. The visitor was a widow of one of the sons of the prophets. His household was in debt before he died and now after his death, the creditors have come to take their two sons to be slaves in order to pay for what they owe. But the woman didn’t want this, so she went crying to Elisha the prophet.
When she got to Elisha and narrated her ordeal, the man of God asked a direct question: “What do you have in the house?” She answered that had nothing except a jar of oil. The prophet instructed her to go borrow many empty vessels from her neighbors which she did. Then he gave her other specific instructions – “Then you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out [the oil you have] into all these containers, and you shall set aside each one when it is full.” This she did well and got the result until there were no more empty vessels for her to pour into. What a miracle that was!
As beautiful as the miracle was, you need to understand some factors that made the miracle a reality. First, the woman recognized her helplessness and cried out to God through the prophet Elisha. You cannot experience miracles from the Lord if you are too proud to see the need for God’s help. You must understand your situation and allow God intervene. Second, she knew her limitation and was truthful in communicating it. She didn’t lie about what she had at home. She didn’t exaggerate it nor did she keep quiet about it. This gave the prophet something to work with. Lying about your situation will not force God’s hand to help you. You have to be truthful.
Third, she had good relationship with her neighbours which made it possible and easy for her to get empty vessels from them. You cannot be saucy, rude and in enmity with the people around you and expect that God would use them for you. Some of the miracles you are praying to God for are in the hands of those same neighbours you do not love. You must have good relationship with people if truly you are a Christian. There are prayers that God will answer through those around you. Learn to treat all men well.
And finally, she obeyed every instruction given to her by the prophet. Progress with and in God flies on the wings of obedience to instructions. There is no one who disobeys the instruction of God and prospers. If this woman had not followed the instructions to the letter, possibly, she wouldn’t have experienced the miracle like she did. God still supplies the needs of men and yours won’t be an exception, just pay attention to what He tells you to do and be sure to do it. Learn from this woman and see God do the same and more in your life.
Reflections: How is my relationship with those round me? Am I sincere with my situation and am I humble enough to cry out to God?
Confession: I humbly cry to God for help because I know that He will help me always. I live well amongst the people around me. I do not despise anyone. I receive specific instructions that will unlock my miracles and I obey them. For me, miracles are real and they are manifested in my life daily.
Related Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7
Bible Reading: Exodus 3
