Her husband had died, leaving her mourning, raising two sons, and deeply in debt. In that day her sons could be taken away as salves to pay back the debt of their father. She had come to the end of both her resources and her hope.

A prophet named Elisha gave her what seemed to be strange instructions, but a closer look reveals why it was such good advice. He said:

“Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few.” 2 Kings 4:3 ESV

In essence, the prophet was saying:

1. Have faith in God. Nothing is hopeless with God. 
2. Take action. Physical actions of obedience often lead to spiritual breakthrough. 
3. Start with what you have. The widow had a little oil. God often requires us to invest what we do have before providing us with what we don’t yet have. 
4. Believe for that which is abundant, not just for that which is adequate. She was instructed to borrow many vessels, not a few. 

In obedience to the prophet, the widow gathered vessels, brought them home, shut the door and began to pour her small amount of oil into a large container. To her surprise the container was filled. She took another vessel and another, filling all of them up with oil.

When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest. ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In a matter of hours the widow went from “not enough” to “more than enough.” 

That’s how our God is. He is more than enough, and desires to bless you abundantly. However, he also desires you to trust Him and walk in faith. 

Many believers don’t exercise their faith and therefore don’t see God’s miraculous provision. Today, if you are at “the end,” look for God to initiate a new beginning! 

Be ready to take a step of faith in obedience to and trust in God. Joshua had to March around Jericho’s walls. Moses had to hold out his staff over the Jordan River. Joshua had to step into the Jordan River. Naaman had to dip seven times in the water. This widow had to gather vessels. 

God will ask you to do what you can do. Then He will do what only He can do.