Provision in the midst of scarcity

In the old testament we can find many stories where God shows His power in front of the nations and nowadays we can not doubt any of those stories, because, to begin with we have to ask ourselves the question: How is it that I am a Christian? We are not Christians because we have decided to be Christians, we are Christians because Christ has called us and brought us to Him.

The Bible tells us about the story of a widowed woman who was going through certain economic needs and God helped her in a powerful way in her situation. Let’s see what the Bible tells us about this:

The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

2 kings 4:1

The truth is that this woman was in a very difficult situation, because, imagine, if she did not settle the account that was pending her children were going to be taken by the creditor. But notice something, she pronounces these things to Elisha as if he could do something in such a situation.

Let us remember that Elisha was a prophet and God was with him, and that woman understood that in one way or another God could act through this man. Many times we find ourselves preoccupied with situations in life and we do not know what to do in the face of problems, but in the midst of every situation we must remind ourselves that God always arrives on time, just as he arrived in this woman’s situation.

Keep saying:

2 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”

“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of

This story not only reflects a miracle of provision but also teaches us that God can use the smallest things we have in our hands to produce something extraordinary. The widow considered that she had “nothing,” yet that small jar of oil became the instrument through which God manifested His abundant power. Many times we also think that what we possess is insignificant, but in the hands of the Lord even the smallest seed can multiply greatly.

Through this event, Scripture reveals that obedience plays a key role in experiencing God’s intervention. The prophet Elisha gave the widow instructions that, from a human perspective, might have seemed illogical. However, she obeyed without questioning. This simple act of faith opened the door for her miracle. Likewise, when we hear the voice of God and decide to trust Him even when circumstances seem contrary, He is able to surprise us with His faithfulness.

Another important detail in this account is the participation of her sons. They gathered the jars, brought them to their mother, and witnessed firsthand the supernatural work of God. This shows us that our faith, decisions, and obedience have an impact on the next generation. When we remain steadfast in the Lord, those around us—especially our children—can also see His glory manifested.

The continuous flow of oil only ceased when the last jar was filled. This teaches us that God’s provision does not depend on His limitations, for He has none, but on the space we are willing to present before Him. If the widow had brought more vessels, the oil would have continued to flow. In the same way, God desires to pour His blessings upon our lives, but we must come before Him with hearts willing to receive, hearts that believe, trust, and make room for His work.

When the miracle ended, Elisha instructed her to sell the oil, pay her debt, and live on the rest. This reveals that God not only frees us from our burdens but also gives us what we need to live with dignity and hope. The Lord does not rescue us halfway; He completes the work. He restores, provides, strengthens, and sustains His people in every season.

Just like the widow, we may face moments of anguish, uncertainty, or economic need, but God remains the same powerful and merciful God. He sees our tears, hears our prayers, and acts at the right time. His love is unwavering, and His promises never fail. Therefore, let us trust that the same God who multiplied the oil is also able to multiply strength, peace, resources, and faith in our lives today.