Have you ever been between a rock and a hard place and didn’t know what to do?
What you needed was a miracle!
These brothers were headed to becoming slaves, devastating their already grieving mother.
This true Biblical account (2 Kings 4) inspires me.
Why?
Because while my children weren’t directly threatened, I’ve been in the same financial crisis as the widow in this story – multiple times.
The Widow’s Problem
The wife of a prophet faced more than grief after he died. She had two sons to raise with few resources. Bills and debt piled up.
Sobs were overheard. Her sons rushed in to check on their mother. What’s wrong?” the oldest asked.
“I’ll be okay,” she said wiping her tears with the sleeve of her robe. “A man came by with some really bad news, but God will take care of us.”
Each son gave her a tight squeeze about the neck, along with a kiss on the cheek, and an “I love you.”
After they left, confidence and boldness rose within as she stood up. (italicize next sentence as it is her thought) No one will threaten to take my boys as slaves to pay off a debt from losing their father.
Asking for Help
The widow had been through enough, and this last threat did her in. She might be tired and uncertain of her future and her son’s, but she knew as a prophet’s wife, whom she could turn to.
Her husband had served the prophet Elisha. He could help, so she called upon him.
Quickly, she shared her predicament and the latest threat to take her boys as slaves if her debt wasn’t paid soon.
In his usual manner, Elisha asked, “How can I help? What do you have?”
“I don’t have much. I do have one flask of olive oil though.”
Clearing his throat, he directed, “Have your boys borrow jars or any other vessels. Have them gather as many as they can from neighbors. Shut your door and begin pouring your olive oil into each jar. Fill them to the top until the oil dries up.”
Grateful, she hurried off to do what Elisha had asked. “Sons, come here. I have something serious I need you to do.”
Boys’ Obedience
For once, these boys listened to their mama.
Running off, the oldest one elbowed his brother asking, “Do you think mom has lost her mind?”
“I don’t know, but she sounded serious so we better mind.”
They knocked on a few doors and obeyed. “Do you have any jars we can borrow please?”
When their arms were full, they ran back and deposited them on a table inside. They thought about grabbing a bag, but feared the jars might break.
As their legs grew tired and their minds wandered to more pleasant things they could be doing, they would remember their mother’s prayer they overheard her praying as they left the last time.
“Father, soften hearts of our neighbors to share, give my sons boldness and strength to gather many more vessels, then let the oil pour. I praise You for what You are about to do May my sons remember this forever”
At the next house, the youngest decided he had enough confidence to do the asking now. His brother had done all the asking on the previous trips. It paid off, too. He was just given the biggest jar so far today.
Smiles broke out on their faces and their energy was renewed.
Some houses were empty on each trip and a few people got mad. Most were generous with some giving two or three jars.
It was getting dark, and the boys didn’t know where else to go. Once home, they shut the door as Elisha had instructed.
Mom’s Obedience Continued
“Oh my! Look at all the jars and clay vessels you two gathered. Good job!”
There were small ones, big ones, tall and short ones, clean and dirty ones crowding each other on the table. More rested underneath on the dirt floor. There barely was room to work.
Using the back of her hand, she wiped the sweat off her brows. “Let’s give thanks and get started. It’s going to be a long night, but God will help us.”
After praying and giving thanks for what the Lord was about to do, the widow took off the lid to the olive oil and began pouring in the closest jar. The youngest son brought empty vessels to her while the oldest returned the full ones, walking carefully so as not to spill a drop.
Each time a new jar was brought, gazes turned to the original olive oil jar. It still had the same amount. It was still flowing!
As the boys moved to and fro, and the widow’s wrist cramped, they’d catch themselves drawing in deep breaths, holding it before finally exhaling. They couldn’t believe what they were witnessing.
It truly was a miracle, and they were a part of it. They felt their faith growing when they were down to the last ten vessels. Nothing changed – oil still flowed. Five left, now three, down to one. Everyone’s breath was held this time in awe. As soon as the oil reached the brim, it dried up immediately.
“WOW!” They exclaimed in unison.
The miracle wasn’t over yet though.
Elisha told the widow to take the oil and sell it, then pay her creditors and keep the rest to live on.
She did!
It sold easily. It sold fast. And, for more money than she had expected.
Not only did she have her money ready to pay her creditor, but enough was left over to live on for a long, long time.
“Boys, come here. I have something to tell you.”
It was then she sat down and shared the rest of the story. Today, you have not only become men by helping your mom, but your dad would’ve been proud of how well you obeyed. You complained very little. Without your help, we wouldn’t have had food to live on, let alone money for me to pay a debt. You see, the man I owed wanted to take you two as slaves for payment of my debt. I wasn’t about to lose you. I turned to the prophet Elisha and God helped us.”
The widow paused, closed her eyes for a moment, and clasped her hands together before continuing. “If you hadn’t obeyed or quit, you’d be slaves. Your obedience was what allowed this miracle, and it saved all our lives. You are FREE! Let’s give God thanks.”
Miracles Still Happen
My husband and I have been blessed to witness many miracles of provision – in our own family, others’ lives, and the church.
We personally have been down to nothing, but my favorite illustration is of a night At our feeding ministry we co-founded and operated by faith for ten years.
The First Baptist Church volunteered that night. Slammed by an extra 200 meals, we all were trying to figure out if we had leftovers needed to heat up or how far the spaghetti would go. Let’s suffice it to say, it lasted exactly the way the olive oil did.
As long as someone was dipping out of the last pan, a few noodles with meat sauce was there. After the last patron went through the line, it dried up.
Our volunteers were amazed and blessed to be part of a modern-day miracle. They remarked on that for a long time.
Likewise, I’ve experienced times, due to circumstances beyond my control, that required a miracle. God always came through. We prayed, listened, and obeyed. Miracles followed – not always in the way we expected, but they came.
It wasn’t always easy to trust, figure out how to survive while trusting, keep a family together and encouraged, but we came close.
Now, I love rescuing others from their financial struggles while building their faith. To learn more, schedule a free consultation here, and together we can seek the Lord. Don’t walk this path alone anymore. Fear not! God and I can be with you.
© 2024, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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