Food

Food

“What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?”

2 Kings 4:2

Just a little oil,” the widow told the prophet Elisha. “That’s all that I have in my house.” She had lost her husband, and now she feared that her creditor might come and take away her two sons as slaves. If the Israelites around this widow had been following the Levitical laws, the woman and her sons would have been provided for. Instead, sadly, their situation seemed to be headed in the wrong direction.

When the widow was feeling totally helpless, Elisha asked her two questions: “How can I help you?” and “What do you have in your house?” I appreciate the graciousness of Elisha’s inquiries. He wanted to help, and he began with what she had. His questions were not patronizing or pessimistic but compassionate and hopeful.

Elisha then told her to borrow many jars from her neighbors. Next she was to pour oil into all the borrowed containers. Then the oil flowed until she and her sons filled the last jar! She sold the oil and had enough money to pay off her creditors and support her family.

Like the widow, we sometimes face situations that we think might have, could have, or should have headed in a different direction. When the painful realities of life leave us feeling needy or even hopeless, we can run to God for his gracious compassion and words of hope. He is still the God who sees and provides.

Father,

Thank you that you saw the widow’s situation and provided for her. Thank you that you see us today and that we can run to you and ask you to provide for us. Amen.