A Spirit of Expectation

“‘My husband who served you is dead . . . A creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.’ . . . ‘Tell me, what do you have in the house?’ ‘Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,’ she replied. And Elisha said, ‘Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors.’” 2 Kings 4:1-3 NLT

This poor widow faced insurmountable problems. She had a hard time even meeting the basic necessities of life.

Then, a creditor threatened to take her sons as slaves. She doubted and worried. But Elisha knew that God could meet those immediate needs but also bless her in more powerful ways. With blessings that would overflow!

He told her to find as many empty jars as she could. Under the circumstances, this might have seemed absurd. These jars were empty, and she had nothing with which to fill them. But Elisha told her to pour the olive oil she had into these jars, “setting the jars aside as they are filled.” They kept pouring and “soon every container was full to the brim!”

This is a picture of the way God can bless us. But, to receive His abundance, we cannot sit idly by and do nothing but doubt and complain. We need to have faith in Him. To believe Him. And we need to take action to show our confidence. We must remember that we reap only what we sow (Galatians 6:7) and that, if we want to reap bountifully, we need to sow bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Today, do not allow doubt to fill your hearts, or limit what God can do for you. He can pour out streams of blessings!

But to receive His blessings, you need to sow seeds with the time, talent, and treasure you have been given. As you give to Him, and have faith, expect Him to bless you and answer your prayers.

Prayer: Father, I have faith in You and expect Your blessings. I believe You for an abundant harvest. Help me to sow abundantly with what You have given me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.