There’s a story in 2 Kings 4 that has been on my heart lately. A woman—a widow—was preparing to die because she had nothing left. Her husband had passed, her resources were gone, and the debt collectors were coming to take her two sons as slaves. Poor woman was in a desperate situation. I think we all can relate to certain degrees.
But then the prophet Elisha asked her a simple question:
“What do you have in your house?” (2 Kings 4:2)
At first, she responded like many of us might:
“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”
That except caught my attention. Because how many times do we look around at our lives and say, “I have nothing,” but then quietly add, “Well, except…”?
Except that little skill.
Except that one connection.
Except that piece of equipment collecting dust.
Except that tiny spark of faith that refuses to die.
That “except” is usually where the miracle begins. If you can muster up at least one “except”, there is hope.
Sometimes We Have to Look in Our Own House First
Elisha told her to gather empty jars from her neighbors and start pouring her small amount of oil into them. And as she poured, the oil kept flowing—until every jar was full. The blessing didn’t come from something new or outside of her. It came from what she already had. Allow me to say that in a different way. The blessing that this woman so desperately needed did not come from Amazon, a job, or a special friend. It did not come from the outside. The very thing that this woman needed came from within. It literally came from her own house.
Lately, I’ve been feeling that same kind of nudge from God—to look around my own house first. There have been seasons when I’ve thought, If I only had this or that, then I could really get things going. But God has been showing me that sometimes the very thing we think we need, we already possess. We already got it. Sometimes our blessings can be under our noses and in our faces. We get so focused on what we don’t have until we mishandle what we do have. Selah!
Learning to Use What I Already Have
I’ll be honest—I’ve been semi-forced to use what I already have lately. Life has a way of slowing you down and saying, “Let’s see what’s in your house first.” Our present economy has been teaching me to look in my own house first.
And you know what? I’ve discovered how creative I can actually be when I stop chasing new things and start appreciating what’s already in my hands.
I’ve repurposed items, reimagined spaces, and revisited old ideas that I once dismissed. It’s amazing how, when you pause and take inventory, you realize you’re richer than you thought. Did you hear that? Whatever your circumstance is, I can guarantee you are richer than you imagine. I challenge you to take inventory of your belongings. Become organized and see what you actually have. I’ve found multiple of the same items all because I was disorganized. Couldn’t find a certain thing so I would go out and buy another one….several times.
However now I’m becoming a better steward of my money—finding joy in using what’s already available instead of constantly seeking more. I’ve learned to manage my time better, to prioritize, and to recognize that “new” doesn’t always mean “necessary.” Even in the kitchen, I’ve found myself making meals out of whatever’s left in the pantry, and somehow—they turn out better than I expected!
Stewardship Is the Soil for Miracles
The widow’s oil didn’t multiply until she started pouring. She had to use what she had before God increased it. I think that’s a word for many of us. We want God to bless us with more, but He’s waiting for us to pour out what’s already in our hands.
When we become faithful stewards—of our money, our time, our gifts, and even our small beginnings—God honors that faithfulness. Stewardship becomes the soil where miracles grow.
A Challenge for You
So, I’ll ask you the same question Elisha asked that widow:
What do you have in your house?
Before you start thinking about what’s missing, look around and see what’s already there. You might be surprised how much oil is left in your jar.
It might look small, but when you offer it to God—when you start pouring—it becomes more than enough.
Reflection Scripture:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
If this Word is on time with you, please share it with someone else. You never know who needs an encouraging Word from Elohim. Need prayer? Send requests to me. I’ll join my faith with yours. Thanks for your support and remember a blessed soul is A Well-Fed Soul.
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