Read: 2 Kings 2, 4
2 Kings 4:3-6, “Elisha said, ‘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.' She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another one.' But he replied, ‘There is not a jar left.' Then the oil stopped flowing.”
There's a story told about a man who found himself in a sinking boat. He cried out to God for help. A boat came by, but he waved the boat away, saying he had faith God would save him. A helicopter then arrived, but the man stubbornly pushed away from the rope they dropped, stating that God would come to his rescue. Unfortunately, the man ultimately drowned because he didn't recognize the help that God had sent!
It certainly was a peculiar provision that God provided the widow in today's reading. Because of debts, her son was to be sold into slavery. But God, through Elisha, didn't miraculously provide the money she needed. Instead, she was instructed to humble herself, go around to all her neighbors and ask for all of their empty jars. Only then did God provide, and only as much as could fit in the jars she had collected.
She asked for help, but instead of an answer, she was given a command. Her faith and obedience led to God's unexpected solution. How is your faith in God's provision? Are you like the man in the sinking boat, refusing to humble yourself and receive help? Perhaps God is offering a solution to a current need that you're failing to see. Be open to answers in unexpected places, and obey His voice. He is always faithful to provide exactly what you need, right when you need it!
God, I cry out to you over ___________. Help me to see where You are leading and trust that You will provide. Lord, be glorified! Amen.