Tuesday 7 Feb 2017

February 7: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Key Verse: 2 Kings 4:6
Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased.

Devotion:
When reading through God's Word, we can see many miracles by many people. Elisha's miracles were miracles which showed that God's love for those who place their faith in Him is real. God does not want any of His people to go in want, He would rather supply us with everything we desire so long as we recognise that everything does come from Him and glorify Him for it all. But the thing which has to happen first is that we have to come to Him and ask, for by doing this we are showing we do believe He can do something about it. We are showing we have faith in Him!

This woman had lived as a wife to a man who believed in and followed God; maybe his death was unexpected and he left behind a debt which needed to be paid. When she met Elisha, she was obviously at the end of everything. Not only had she run out of food and money, but the creditor had come to take payment and the only payment she had was two sons who could be sold into slavery. There was no other way for her to turn other than to God for help. Her faith was tested and not found wanting.

Elisha showed her that her faith was what was about to save her from her debt and to give her enough to live on. Given a single pot with some oil, and a whole lot of empty pots and vessels, God showed what can be done with faith. The faithful step was for her to shut the door so there was nobody but God and her family in the room and to start pouring. The more she poured, the more came out, right up until the last vessel was full. God then stopped the oil because it was all that was required – more than she needed, but all that was required for this miracle to pay off her debt.

God has no shortage of anything when He wants us to see His love. Nothing is impossible with God. The hardest step is the first step of faith, to listen to God even when we think things are impossible. He will show His love and He knows exactly how much we need.

Points to Ponder:
Have you ever been in a tight spot? Did you turn to God?

Do you turn to God when times are good?