Don't Ask For Just A Few!
I am so proud of you Journey Girls! We are just days away from completing our 40 day journey together. You are such a blessing to me! I am so thankful for each one of you. I attempted to email each of you, however, I do not think it worked. I am still trying to figure out this site. Just please know that I am praying for each of you individually and I am so honored that you have been alongside me on this journey. I love you!
2 Kings 4:1-7
I was reading this passage this morning and remembered a sermon that my husband once preached on this story. It is a story of a widow who had nothing. She cried out to the prophet Elisha for help. She was about to lose her two boys as slaves because she could not pay her debts. All she had in her house was a little oil. She was desperate for a miracle.
Elisha told her to, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." (vs.3-4).
The widow did not hesitate to do as she had been told. She immediately left and got the empty jars. She went home, closed the door and began to pour the oil into the empty jars. The oil kept flowing, as long as there were jars. When all the jars were full and there was not a jar left, "then the oil stopped flowing."(vs.6). She was able to sell the oil and pay her debts. Her and her sons were able to live on what was left.
I love that this widow did not hesitate and demonstrated much faith. She believed God to perform a miracle on her behalf. She was shown tremendous mercy and grace because of her faith and obedience. God provided for her needs.
We see another example of God's provision and miracles in 1 Kings 17:7-24. God once again provided flour and oil for the widow at Zarephath and the oil did not run dry. (vs. 16). He provided for her physical needs. He not only provided for her physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. He raised her son from the dead! It is the first time we see the miracle of raising the dead recorded in scripture. She believed God. She knew that His Word was true. She had experienced God's Word alive and active in her own life. What a blessing!
God still performs miracles today! He provides for our needs. He often steps in, at just the right moment, and makes Himself known on our behalf. I remember one such instance when He did just this in my own life. Tom and I had not been married very long. We were desperately trying to make it paycheck to paycheck and we had no food in the house. We only had a few dollars to last until the next payday. That Sunday morning, we debated on whether or not to spend the money in gas to go to church. We decided to put gas in our car and off we headed to worship in Nicholasville, KY. Tom was helping at a church plant there and we needed to be there early to help set up for worship. After church and tearing down all the equipment, we went out to our litte Chevette and there on the steering wheel was taped a twenty dollar bill. Not only that, but the back of our car was also full of groceries! We had not told a soul about our situation. We had only taken it to the LORD in prayer. Tears began to flow down both of our faces as we suddenly realized that our God was our Provider. Jehovah Jireh! He did not let the oil run dry. He stepped in, at just the right moment and performed a miracle on our behalf. He blessed us, even beyond what we needed for that day. Thank you Lord!
Beloved, we serve a God who loves us and desires to take care of us. He also wants to bless us and pour out His favor upon our lives. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."
God means for us to cast our total dependency on Him. He is sovereign and we must trust His sovereignty! He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28). How much faith do you have in your current situation for God's provision? Do you, like the widow, believe God for much blessing or are you just allowing Him to fill a few jars?
I believe that God wants to bless His children. Pray for God's favor upon your life. Be obedient to His Word and believe Him to continue working in and through your life for His glory! Pour out your heart to Him and tell him your deepest concerns. Ask Him to fill your cup to overflowing! Ask Him to pour out the oil of His Spirit into the empty places of your life. Ask Him for a miracle. Ask Him for His blessings. Don't ask for just a few.
Asking and Believing,
Elisabeth
2 Kings 4:1-7
I was reading this passage this morning and remembered a sermon that my husband once preached on this story. It is a story of a widow who had nothing. She cried out to the prophet Elisha for help. She was about to lose her two boys as slaves because she could not pay her debts. All she had in her house was a little oil. She was desperate for a miracle.
Elisha told her to, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." (vs.3-4).
The widow did not hesitate to do as she had been told. She immediately left and got the empty jars. She went home, closed the door and began to pour the oil into the empty jars. The oil kept flowing, as long as there were jars. When all the jars were full and there was not a jar left, "then the oil stopped flowing."(vs.6). She was able to sell the oil and pay her debts. Her and her sons were able to live on what was left.
I love that this widow did not hesitate and demonstrated much faith. She believed God to perform a miracle on her behalf. She was shown tremendous mercy and grace because of her faith and obedience. God provided for her needs.
We see another example of God's provision and miracles in 1 Kings 17:7-24. God once again provided flour and oil for the widow at Zarephath and the oil did not run dry. (vs. 16). He provided for her physical needs. He not only provided for her physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. He raised her son from the dead! It is the first time we see the miracle of raising the dead recorded in scripture. She believed God. She knew that His Word was true. She had experienced God's Word alive and active in her own life. What a blessing!
God still performs miracles today! He provides for our needs. He often steps in, at just the right moment, and makes Himself known on our behalf. I remember one such instance when He did just this in my own life. Tom and I had not been married very long. We were desperately trying to make it paycheck to paycheck and we had no food in the house. We only had a few dollars to last until the next payday. That Sunday morning, we debated on whether or not to spend the money in gas to go to church. We decided to put gas in our car and off we headed to worship in Nicholasville, KY. Tom was helping at a church plant there and we needed to be there early to help set up for worship. After church and tearing down all the equipment, we went out to our litte Chevette and there on the steering wheel was taped a twenty dollar bill. Not only that, but the back of our car was also full of groceries! We had not told a soul about our situation. We had only taken it to the LORD in prayer. Tears began to flow down both of our faces as we suddenly realized that our God was our Provider. Jehovah Jireh! He did not let the oil run dry. He stepped in, at just the right moment and performed a miracle on our behalf. He blessed us, even beyond what we needed for that day. Thank you Lord!
Beloved, we serve a God who loves us and desires to take care of us. He also wants to bless us and pour out His favor upon our lives. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."
God means for us to cast our total dependency on Him. He is sovereign and we must trust His sovereignty! He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28). How much faith do you have in your current situation for God's provision? Do you, like the widow, believe God for much blessing or are you just allowing Him to fill a few jars?
I believe that God wants to bless His children. Pray for God's favor upon your life. Be obedient to His Word and believe Him to continue working in and through your life for His glory! Pour out your heart to Him and tell him your deepest concerns. Ask Him to fill your cup to overflowing! Ask Him to pour out the oil of His Spirit into the empty places of your life. Ask Him for a miracle. Ask Him for His blessings. Don't ask for just a few.
Asking and Believing,
Elisabeth
4 Response to Don't Ask For Just A Few!
Let me just say M.C.R.O!!!
This was a saying that one of my sisters in Christ used to end each of our responses to each other. "My Cup Runneth Over"
Thank you for reminding me of that, she lives in Michigan and we don't keep in touch as often as I would like.
Your journey message just put a sweet aroma in the air. Though we are going through a rough time currently I know that God is in the midst and is beginning a good work in me. I have had a few opportunities to arise in my church that is allowing me to give back to him in ways I never could imagine. I have been working in our cafe for quite sometime and was asked if I would oversee the cafe and book store. I love doing the cafe for many reasons, it brings back memories of 2 people who are no longer at our church, but had a huge part in starting the Koinonia cafe ( so I feel like they are still a big part of my walk with Christ), I enjoy meeting the new families, it gives me the oppurtunity to serve the Lord and show my children it is important to be a part of something within the church and not just a pew warmer ohhh yea, the chocolate chip cookies are to die for. Sorry ladies who gave up cholcolate, just a few more days. I then was approached tonight to play a part in a drama. I don't want to give to much away due to not being sure if I will take the part, I can't imagine playing the mother of Jesus, and the agony she must have felt while they nailed him to the cross. I love doing drama, I rememeber my first few visits at my church, how alive it felt and how the pastor was so on fire for the Lord and how I wished I could have just a little bit of that fire and be able to pray with such love and passion as his wife did. There was a drama that Sunday, one of the men was dressed as Jesus and walked down the aisle as "The Healer". It was so moving. I know I am rambling and I am sorry, I just feel so blessed for the people God has placed in my life along this 39 year journey, ( especially my Wednesday lunch buddy, I thank God for you everyday, thanks for listening and crying with me over pizza) and though the little things may not seem like much to others, they are huge ones for me. God is moving me in a direction that is allowing me to give first fruits to him in so many different ways. Though I am not getting food in my car or money on my door step I am still getting the blessings of serving my Lord the best way I know how. He is the potter and I am the clay, molding me and makeing me into a true worshipper. Thank you Elisabeth for obeying God and doing this Journey it has been such a blessing to read everyday and has drawn me closer to the Lord through it, your love and passion for Christ is so amazing to me, I DO NOT want this journey to end, I pray you continue to blog. I know God has so much more for you through this. I love ya and I am praying for you.
M.C.R.O
Thank you Elizabeth and Vivian, reminding me of another cafe (known for world famous snickerdoodles) and how God started me on a journey I would have never guessed (your husbands obedience played a huge role). I am serving in a ministry that I have passion for but feel poorly equipped. I am going and will let God take care of all the details. I read just the other day that Jesus always calls His people to tasks that are far beyond their means. He walks out 10 feet farther than we can jump and says, jump! We reply that distance is too great for us. The resurrection and power of Jesus are proven when we achieve the extraordinary. I pray that we all achieve the extraordinary, go Journey Girls!
Vivian,
Praise God for His many blessings! I appreciate you so much and sister, M.C.R.O. !!!!! :) I love that and I love you!! Tears are streaming as I read your comment! You have brought back some precious memories to my mind that are dear to my heart! I had forgotten about that Sunday (The Healer) Oh, how precious!
If you want my opinion, you don't need to pray anymore about the drama. :) Sister, the LORD has placed this upon you. . . DO IT!! I only wish that I could be there to see it. I will be there in Spirit though. I remember another drama that you did so well & blessed my heart. I love you Vivian and I am praying for you! Hang in there God has more blessing for you! I am so excited that you are doing the Koinonia Cafe & Bookstore. I know that the Lord is using your gifts for His glory! AWESOME!! Thank you so much for sharing and you can "ramble" to me anyday! :) I love & appreciate you so much! I'm so proud of you! Keep on sister!
Maggie,
I love and appreciate you so very much! Thank you for sharing! I am blessed that God allowed our paths to cross. Even though our time in AZ was painful, it brought about some friendships that are a blessing. Thank you for allowing God to use you for His glory. Thank you for being obedient to Him! I am so excited about this new ministry and I cannot wait to hear all that the LORD does in and through you! I love what you said about achieving the extraordinary! That is awesome! I needed that encouragement! Thank you Maggie! I love you!
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