I don’t know about you, but to me, there is much to be concerned about these days. Gone are the days when news was given in thirty minute blocks in the evening. If you missed David Brinkley or Walter Cronkite on the evening news, you were out of luck unless you took in the newspaper.
The deluge of news – mostly bad – both domestic and international, seems never ending. In addition to the hundreds of social media sites reporting news and opinion, there is now also AI generated news. It can make those who care overwhelmed.
You feel that the world is hurtling out of control and there is nothing you can do. This spirit of hopelessness can be paralyzing. In my desire to resist those feelings of hopelessness, I am reminded of a bible story in 2 Kings 4:1-17 about a widow and her olive oil. Her husband had passed away and the creditor was threatening to take her two sons as slaves to pay his debt. The Prophet Elisha asked her “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”
Initially the widow said that she had nothing at all. At first glance, we may think that we have nothing at all. This thought pattern creates a sense of helplessness. But, on second glance, she noticed a small jar of olive oil and she said “EXCEPT a small jar of olive oil”. What normally had been insignificant took on new life with extra focus and attention.
The prophet directed her to collect empty jars from neighbors, go behind closed doors and pour oil into the jars. As her sons brought the jars, she kept pouring. He then directed her to go sell the oil to pay her family’s debts and to save the rest to take care of her family. The oil was also a benefit to her neighbors who were able to purchase the oil for their needs.
During this season, what is your lament? Is it about personal issues (lonliness, debt, grief), political issues (injustice, division, economic uncertainty), or maybe world issues (war, famine). God is asking “How can I help you? Tell me what do you have in your house?” So today, pause and ask yourself “WHAT IS IN MY HOUSE?” Is it your voice, your presence, your skills, your connections? Identify your ‘jar of oil’ and watch God multiply it when you commit it to Him.
This story is as much about obedience and faith, as it is about God’s miraculous intervention. We all have different gifts according to the grace that God has given us. (Romans 12:6) No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, with God, it is enough. It is all that you need. The bible says to “Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3) In yourself, it may be impossible, but with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
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