What Do You Have?

What Do You Have?

“What can I do to help you? 2 Kings 4:2 NLT

In the Old Testament books of 1 & 2 Kings, we read about two women who both have similar problems. Elijah in 1 Kings 17 and Elisha in 2 Kings 4, were confronted by widows who were overwhelmed in their poverty. They came to Elijah and Elisha seeking help. Both of them couldn’t see beyond their meager resources. They were consumed by their complaints and could not see what they had.

Elijah spoke to the widow at Zarephath. He asked her for some bread, but the widow replied, “I do not have a single piece of bread in the house.” (1 Kings 17:12) She was preparing a meal which she thought would be her last meal. But, Elijah wanted his piece first. This sounds strange, does it not? Taking the bread out of the widows’ mouth!

There is a lesson connected to this story for all of us. And that is, when you give out of your poverty you will be blessed and receive far more than you ever expected.

Now, Elisha in 2 Kings 4:2, was confronted by a widow also. This widow’s husband died while he was serving Elisha and she thought because of that, she deserved his help. Elisha listened to her complaints and then with one sentence turned her in a new direction. He asked, “What do you have in the house?” (2 Kings 4:2) She told him she had nothing except a flask of olive oil. Elisha helped her to see she had all she needed. He sent her out to gather jars from her neighbors and then to fill them with the oil she had. The very little she had turned out to be sufficient to meet her needs. She filled the jars and sold them. Now she had money to pay her creditors and to live on.

Both of these widows had eyes only on what they didn’t have. Elijah and Elisha asked a simple question which helped them out of their distress. This question pertains to us, as well. We need to ask ourselves, “What do I have?” When we concentrate on what we do have rather than what we do not have we then look at our lives positively instead of negatively. It opens up our heart and allows God to speak to us. For you see, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) Yes, things may be tough, but it is only for a season. God will lift you up out of the mire and set your feet upon the rock. (Psalm 40:2) ”…he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.” (Psalm 91:3)

So maybe you need to answer the question also, “What do you have?” What has God already provided? Make a list and refer to it from time to time. Spend some time with the Lord each day, reading His Word; in prayer; and listening. God is as near as your next breath.

Dear Lord thank you for the richness of your blessings. Let me focus on what I do have, rather than what I do not have. To You be all glory and honor. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

2 Kings 4:2   I Kings 17:12   Matthew 14:20