Take It to the Lord
Author: Ayodeji Oludapo
Date: December 6, 2024
Scripture: "The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, 'Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.' Elisha replied to her, 'How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?' 'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except a small jar of olive oil.'" - 2 Kings 4:1-2(NIV)
Devotional Thoughts
Life often presents us with situations that seem beyond human capability—times when every door we try to open remains firmly shut. The widow in 2 Kings 4 faced such a dire circumstance. Not only had she lost her husband, but she also risked losing her sons to the hands of creditors. Desperate, she sought help from the only person she knew could offer a divine solution—the prophet Elisha, a man of God.
The widow took the right first step: she brought her problem to God through His prophet. Instead of wallowing in her pain, or looking to people who had no answers, she went to the source of her hope. God, through Elisha, provided not only a miraculous solution but also a sustainable means of provision. The little oil she had was multiplied, allowing her to pay her debts and provide for her family.
This story isn’t just about oil and empty jars—it’s about trust and obedience. When Elisha instructed her to gather empty vessels, the widow obeyed without questioning how those empty jars would help her. Her obedience became the gateway to her miracle.
I, too, remember a time when I needed a financial miracle. Every option seemed exhausted, and my heart was heavy with uncertainty. My family and I decided to go to a quiet, remote place on a Saturday and pour out our concerns to God in prayer. We spent that day seeking His intervention, asking for His wisdom, and trusting Him fully. By Monday, the financial provision we so desperately needed arrived. God came through when I chose to take it to Him first.
Practical Reflections
There will be times in our lives when we face circumstances that seem insurmountable. Whether it is a financial crisis, a health scare, or a family conflict, our first instinct might be to rely on our own strength or seek help from others. But the truth is, no one can solve our problems like God can. The widow’s story teaches us to take our burdens directly to God, to trust Him fully, and to obey His guidance, even when it seems unusual.
When we bring our needs to God first, we open ourselves up to His infinite wisdom and provision. Sometimes, His solution comes in the form of miraculous provision, and other times, it is the wisdom to make the right decisions or the right people being placed in our path. Whatever His answer, it is always for our good.
Closing Thoughts
Take it to the Lord. Whatever burden you are carrying today, bring it before God. He is never overwhelmed by your needs, nor is He short on resources. Trust that He has the power to turn impossible situations into testimonies. Obey His instructions when they come—He often uses what we already have, just as He did with the widow’s oil. Your obedience and faith can unlock miracles that will testify to His goodness for years to come.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our ever-present help in times of need. Just as You provided for the widow and her sons, I trust You with my own burdens today. I bring my needs before You, knowing You care for me deeply. Give me the wisdom to see Your provision and the courage to obey Your instructions. Help me to always remember to take everything to You first, and to rest in Your perfect will. In Jesus' name, Amen.