Elisha asked her, “what can I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?”
She said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.”
2 Kings 4:2 CSB
Tell me, dear friend, what do you have in the house? What a question! Taking inventory of our homes can be a daunting and tedious process. Some of us have much more than we need and have to rent storage facilities to hold the overflow. We make our piles to sell or donate what no longer sparks joy or that we can’t make use of anymore. Some of us know exactly what we have and where it’s located. This widow didn’t have to stop and think. She knew the contents of her humble home and had already assessed its value.
Your servant has nothing.
Except.
Except a jar of oil.
A jar of oil in the hands of God could light a lamp for eight miraculous nights, cook enough meals to last through hard times, or anoint the head of Jesus before He journeys to the cross. A jar of oil is all we need for God to illuminate our path, provide for our needs, or allow us to worship in spirit and truth.
Perhaps there’s oil in your house that you make use of on a daily basis without seeing its full value. Are you like the widow who immediately says I have nothing except…? This year our homes have become more than just the places where we live. We now work, go to church, educate our children, and so much more in our homes.
Our jar of oil might be our ability to plan online parties, wrangle overly tired children, or run errands for an essential worker. It could be our artwork or a new song. It could be those family recipes we’ve been experimenting with. What are your assets, gifts, or talents that God can use to sustain you through times of uncertainty or financial difficulties? Use that oil to the fullest and may it glorify God and sustain you throughout this unprecedented time.
Let’s Reflect: What is your jar of oil? How can you put it to use? Journal your thoughts and ask God to show you what you might be missing.
Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the things You bring to our attention. We’re grateful for every jar of oil that you’ve placed in our homes and in our hearts. We look to You for increase, hope, and relief from the stress of this pandemic. You are our peace and the Anchor of our souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.