7 April | EVERYONE

A WIDOW’S OIL IS MULTIPLIED

“Then he said, ‘Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.’” 2 Kings 4:3-4

The measure of your faith is the measure of the blessings you will receive. The widow in this story could have filled all the vessels of Israel with oil if she had wanted to, but she received from God only that for which she was able to hope. Once she entered her house, the door closed.

At first, she may not have believed the words of the prophet. She complied with the instruction to request empty vessels from her neighbors, but she did so formally, just to please the man of God. Deep down, she did not understand why she had to borrow vessels. She did not know that faith does not require understanding but trust. The prophet had told her to ask for as many as she could get. She gathered the vessels, but her obedience was not the fruit of her faith but only the result of her respect for the word of God's messenger.

And the miracle happened. Unexpectedly, the vessels filled up and the oil continued to spill. Perhaps then she would consider asking the prophet for time to go out and look for more empty vessels, but it was too late. The door was locked. There was no more opportunity.

To what extent are you able to trust God's promises? God's word is foolishness to humans, but wisdom and power to those who trust. I met a criminal sentenced to life imprisonment, the perpetrator of several murders and other crimes. One day, in the filthy cell of a prison, he met Jesus and demanded the fulfillment of His promises. And the Lord heard the cry of this man. Their vessels were filled. The prison doors opened to him, and he is now a citizen who helps young people recover from drugs.

Miracles that no one understands. All that remains is for us to accept them and trust.

Take Action

Do not put limits on what God can do for you. Live your life. Do everything that depends on you, but never give up when you see that the slope gets too steep: He goes with you to encourage you.