Hopeless Vs. Standing Firm, Hopeful

“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a little oil.” (2 Kings 4:2b NIV)

Hearts Matter!

Hearts matter and we each have one. Anyone or someone we know feeling hopeless? In midst of societal confusion, seems an endless list of needs. For me, I am most concerned for people deceived- how they became deceived, and how to free them from deception. We are in the lowest unemployment in years, yet, as cycles go…brick and mortar stores are closing opting for internet sales. Wal-Mart and other grocery stores are removing cashiers for self-check outs. Serious health issues need miracles. Marriages continue to be attacked. Whatever your need, there is only one true hope- Jesus Christ.

Standing

The B-I-B-L-E, that’s the book for me! Who else remembers this song from childhood…I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E. To stand, standing firm when all else fails…we stand, study, and believe God’s Word. In 2 Kings, a miracle was performed. I want to know why- understand why/what happened. Her husband had died and the creditors were coming to take her two sons for slavery…we can sense the urgency.

Here’s what I see:

• Her husband was from a company of the prophet.
• He revered The Lord.
• She took a step of faith- she cried out to Elisha.
• Elisha was at the right spot in perfect timing.
• He questioned what she had…she respond with nothing at all.
• And…then, except a little oil.

Nothing at All

How many times and we’ve all likely experienced a desperate situation; feeling like we had nothing at all. We stop there, hopeless. Thankfully, she remembered the small amount of remaining oil. She offered from a desperate heart, with knowing true reverence towards our Lord, Elisha requested as many empty jars as possible. I love he added, “Don’t just ask for a few.” Then directions were given by the Prophet, and she listened. She closed the door and began to pour oil into ALL of the jars and when full- sit aside. When the last jar was full, the oil stopped pouring. Elisha told her to sale the oil and pay debts. She and her sons were to live off what was left.

Reverence 

God is good! He is blamed far too many times- when the devil is scheming to steal, kill, and destroy. God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit is The Trinity all working as one. To fear the Lord, is reverence; a sense of respect and honor. God is working same today as in Elisha’s time. We need to evaluate if current choices align with this widow and her husband. Do we have a background of reverence for God? It’s not if- when desperate times happen and we feel hopeless.

Hopeful

We need to begin where we are and turn hopeless into hopeful. Ask Jesus if he’s real, does He care? He died on the cross for you and me- He cares. Are we willing to humble ourselves to ask for God’s help? I can promise- it’s worth asking. We may need as many jars as possible…we just need to listen and obey.

Be encouraged!