Today, we dive into a remarkable story of trust, obedience, and divine provision. The tale of the widow’s oil not only illustrates God’s miraculous power but also provides practical lessons for us as women on a mission. Let’s explore how embracing faith and diligence can lead our businesses from scarcity to abundance.

The Widow’s Olive Oil – 2 Kings 4: 1-7 (NIV)

1 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 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 olive oil.”

3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 4 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.”

5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.

7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

Reflection:

The widow, facing dire circumstances, turns to the prophet Elisha and, ultimately, to God for help. Her situation is desperate, yet it sets the stage for a miracle. As she follows Elisha’s instructions, pouring oil into jar after jar, her small supply multiplies beyond expectation.

As entrepreneurs, we often face our own kinds of scarcity – whether it’s resources, ideas, or energy. The widow’s story encourages us to start with what we have, however little it seems, and trust God to multiply our efforts as we obey His guidance.

Application:

1. Begin with Prayer: Like the widow seeking Elisha’s help, bring your business needs before God, seeking His wisdom and direction.
2. Use What You Have: Identify the resources, skills, and networks you already possess. How can these be utilized or expanded in your business?
3. Take Faith-Filled Actions: Follow God’s leading, even when it doesn’t align with conventional wisdom. What “jars” is He asking you to gather?
4. Work with Diligence: Dedicate yourself to the work before you, trusting God to provide the increase.
5. Manage with Wisdom: When God provides, whether it’s a new opportunity, insight, or resource, use it wisely to meet your needs and plan for the future.

Affirmations:

• “God is the source of all my provision.”
• “I will use the resources I have with wisdom and creativity.”
• “I trust God to multiply my efforts and guide me to success.”
• “My work honors God and serves as a witness to His goodness.”

Journal Prompts:

• Reflect on a time when God provided for your business in an unexpected way.
• List the resources (skills, networks, assets) you currently have. How can you use them more effectively?
• What steps of faith is God asking you to take in your business right now?
• How can you apply the principle of diligent work to your current business challenges?
  

Beloved, may the story of the widow and the oil inspire you to look beyond your current limitations and see the potential for God’s provision and multiplication in your life and business. Remember, it’s not the size of your resources but your faith and actions in obedience to God that lead to abundance.

Let’s Pray

Lord God, just like the widow, I come before You with my needs and my trust. Help me to see the resources and opportunities You have already provided. Grant me the faith to take bold steps according to Your will, and the diligence to work with all my heart. May my business not only sustain my family but also become a testament to Your faithfulness and provision. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.