Daily Devotional for Monday, April 21

Elisha and a Poor Widow

“Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few,” 2 Kings 4:3.

My mother became a preacher’s widow several years ago. Since that time, I have seen God’s wonderful provision for her life. He has graciously provided support through her children and the churches of the state where she lives. What a blessing to witness! All glory to God!

            Widows and orphans have always been close to God’s heart. I believe He has a very special place in His heart for the widows of His faithful ministers. 

There was such a widow who lived in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Her husband had died and left her with two children and a debt that had to be paid. Her greatest fear was that her children would be taken and required to work to pay off their debt. She did not have the resources of an association of churches, but she did have Elisha.

When she cried out to God’s prophet, he asked what resources she had in her home. Elisha told this destitute widow to borrow as many empty vessels as possible from all her neighbors. Now one pot of oil might not sound like much, but God proved He could take her meager resources and multiply them into exactly what she needed. This widow allowed God to use the only thing she had and multiply it to meet her needs. The only thing God asked of her was the faith to prepare for His blessings—and that she did. 

Has God ever poured out blessings on you so enormous that you were not ready to receive them? Our God is a good Father and He delights in blessing His children. In our lowest moments, God will refresh us and pour out His blessings into our empty vessels.

THOUGHT

Make your requests in faith before God and prepare to receive His blessings.

Karen Meigs