What Do You Have?

“What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.

2 Kings 4:2

HER HUSBAND HAD DIED, leaving her with a massive debt and no means to pay it back. Her husband’s creditors were threatening to take away her two sons and make them slaves. So when she came to the prophet Elisha for help, she was looking for a miracle. And through Elisha, God did indeed perform a miracle in this widow’s life. He multiplied the leftover oil in the bottom of a jar so that it filled every jar she and her neighbors could spare. The money she would be able to earn from the sale of the oil would pay off the debt, leaving her and her sons with money to live on (2 Kings 4:1-7).

When money is tight, it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have. But what about what we do have? That’s where Elisha started. The poor woman had a few drops of oil and faith in God.

The widow probably didn’t think much of her nearly empty oil jar. But in God’s hands, it became more than enough. We, too, have been given gifts from God—talents, skills, and even assets that we may not think much of. God can provide for our needs, but it may be that He wants to work through the gifts He has already given us. Often they’re a lot more than we think.

Are you offering what you have to God? Are you thankful for what you have? God can take whatever you have and turn it into a lot.

BOTTOM LINE

No doubt you have gifts from God. Offer them up, and see God use them to provide for your needs.

Moment of Strength: Matthew 6:25-34