Last time we learnt important lessons from the widow with the small jug of oil in 2 King 4:1-7. Today let’s continue to learn more lessons that will help us to discover God’s abundant blessings. Here are a few more:

1. God’s people sometimes fail to access the everlasting source that the world knows nothing about.

Well, this woman realised the value in seeking for her breakthrough. Focusing on verse 1, it is interesting to see that she knew who to cry out to. She went straight to someone who could lead her to her breakthrough. So many around us have nowhere to go, no refuge in time of trouble, and no one who can help them in their extreme situations (see Isaiah 32:2 and Psalm 46:1 NIV).

However just as we have the number 999 to call for help in case of emergency, I discovered years ago that there is a number that gives me great hope in time of trouble. That number is 333, which stands for Jeremiah 33:3: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Therefore, if you are in great need let me encourage you to take hold of the tremendous promise – or at least try it: call upon Him and from my own experience you’ll not be disappointed.

2. God’s people often look at what they have lost rather than what they still have.

Elisha asked a second question: ‘what do you have in your house?’ (2 Kings 4:2 NIV). Her perspective was so negative that she could not see that the answer was in her house. Often our answers are so near to us that we fail to see them. She had to change her perspective to be able to walk to her breakthrough. So, today it’s time to change your perspective and realise that your answer may not be as far away as you think. Remember your perspective will determine your breakthrough.

3. God’s people still have to learn to put their faith in action by trusting and obeying.

That is exactly what this woman did – not only did she hear the instruction given by Elisha, but she had to trust and obey and activate her faith!

God’s Word tells us clearly that obedience is better than sacrifice (see 1 Sam 15:22 NIV). Imagine she went to all her neighbours asking to borrow as many vessels as possible – it took boldness, confidence, and courage. Today, can I urge you to put your trust in the One who is, who was, and who will be? His name is Jesus and as you put your faith in action in Him, the author and finisher of our faith, I can tell you that expectation is fertile ground for a miracle! So, make sure you don’t miss out on it!

4. God’s people miss their best if they fail to understand that capacity determines the flow of God’s blessing.

Elisha told the woman: ‘Go around and ask all your neighbours for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few’ (2 Kings 4:3 NIV). Capacity always determines the flow of God’s blessing, for ‘according to your faith let it be done to you’ (Matthew 9:29 NIV). Those words of Jesus are still very relevant to us today. When Elisha asked her to get as many jars as possible, it was equivalent to asking her to create capacity. So, it is also the same for all of us today. Please note that the flow of oil only stopped when she ran out of jars. So, make room in your lives, increase your capacity and enjoy God’s abundant blessing!

Remember, if you are experiencing a testing time, don’t be discouraged and don’t give up, for your TEST will determine the testimony that will glorify God and God only. The outcome of the widow’s story was that not only did she become debt free and her sons were saved from slavery, but her future was secured. That brought her joy and peace of mind. This can also be the same for all of us in spite of whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. Never forget that with God all things are possible, for what seems little to us may just be the seed that brings the long-awaited harvest.