The story of the widow and the oil in 2 Kings 4:1-7 is a masterpiece of faith, divine provision, and the miraculous power of God to multiply what seems insignificant. It’s a story that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t have enough—enough resources, enough strength, or even enough faith. Through this account, we see how God takes what little we have and multiplies it beyond our imagination when we trust Him. This devotional invites us to reflect on “the faith that multiplies”—a faith that doesn’t focus on what is lacking but on what God can do with what’s already in our hands.
2 Kings 4:1-3 The New International Version
1The 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.”
The Widow’s Desperate Situation
The widow in this story was facing a crisis that seemed impossible to overcome. Her husband had died, leaving her with debts she couldn’t repay. In ancient times, creditors had the legal right to take children as slaves to settle unpaid debts, and this was the fate awaiting her two sons. Imagine her anguish—grieving her husband while fearing the loss of her children. She was at the end of her rope, overwhelmed by fear and hopelessness.
Yet, in her desperation, she turned to Elisha, the prophet of God. Her cry for help was an act of faith—a recognition that only God could intervene in her impossible circumstances. This is where many of us find ourselves at times: standing before challenges that are far beyond our ability to solve. Like the widow, our first step must be to turn to God, acknowledging that He alone is our source of help.
God’s Question: “What Do You Have?”
Elisha’s response to the widow was both practical and profound: “What do you have in your house?” (2 Kings 4:2). Her initial answer reflects how many of us feel when faced with overwhelming need: “Your servant has nothing there at all… except a small jar of olive oil.”
How often do we feel like we have “nothing at all” to offer? Whether it’s our time, talents, or resources, it’s easy to underestimate what God can do with what we already have. The widow saw her small jar of oil as insignificant—just a drop compared to the vast need before her. But Elisha’s question wasn’t about quantity; it was about recognizing the potential for God’s power to work through what she already possessed.
This moment invites us to shift our perspective. Instead of focusing on what we lack, God calls us to recognize what He has already placed in our hands. No matter how small or insignificant it seems, when surrendered to Him, it becomes the starting point for His miraculous multiplication.
Faith in Action: Gathering Empty Jars
Elisha instructed the widow to gather empty jars from her neighbours—“Don’t ask for just a few” (2 Kings 4:3). This command required bold faith. Imagine the courage it took for her to knock on doors and ask for jars without knowing exactly how God would provide.
Faith often requires us to act before we see the outcome. The widow didn’t know how the oil would multiply or why she needed so many jars, but she obeyed anyway. Her actions demonstrated trust in God’s promise and created space for His provision.
This teaches us an important lesson: when we step out in faith and prepare for God’s provision—even when we don’t fully understand how it will come—we open the door for Him to work miracles in our lives.
The Miracle of Multiplication
As the widow began pouring her small jar of oil into the empty vessels, something extraordinary happened—the oil kept flowing until every jar was filled. The miracle didn’t occur before she started pouring; it happened as she poured.
This principle holds true in our own lives. God often multiplies what we offer Him as we step out in faith. Whether it’s our time, talents, or resources, He takes what seems small and insignificant and uses it to accomplish great things.
When all the jars were full, Elisha told her to sell the oil, pay off her debts, and live on what was left (2 Kings 4:7). Not only did God meet her immediate need by saving her sons from slavery, but He also provided enough for their future—a reminder that His provision is always abundant.
Lessons from the Widow’s Faith
- God Uses What We Already Have
The widow thought she had nothing except a small jar of oil—but that was enough for God. Similarly, He can use whatever we offer Him, no matter how small it seems. - Faith Requires Action
The miracle didn’t happen until the widow started pouring the oil. Faith isn’t passive; it involves taking steps of obedience even when we don’t see the full picture. - God’s Provision Is Abundant
The oil didn’t stop flowing until there were no more jars left to fill. This reminds us that God’s resources are limitless—He provides more than enough (Ephesians 3:20). - Trusting God Brings Freedom
By trusting God and following His instructions, the widow not only paid off her debts but also secured a future for her family. Faith leads to freedom—spiritually, emotionally, and practically.
How Can We Apply This Today?
- Offer What You Have
No matter how small or insignificant your resources may seem—whether it’s your time, talents, or finances—surrender them to God. Like Moses’ staff or the boy’s five loaves and two fish (John 6:9), He can use your offering to accomplish miracles. - Prepare for Abundance
Take steps of faith that reflect your trust in God’s provision. Whether it’s starting a new project or serving others with your time and talents, act as though you believe God will provide. - Trust His Timing
The widow didn’t know how long the oil would flow or how much she would receive—but she trusted God through each step of the process. Trust that He is working behind the scenes even when you can’t see it. - Celebrate His Provision
When you see God’s hand at work in your life—whether through answered prayers or unexpected blessings—take time to thank Him and share your testimony with others.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: God’s Call to Multiply: Living a Life of Abundance and Faithfulness
Quote of the Day: “Many want to live the spectacular, but the Lord wants us to live the supernatural”
Encouragement for Your Journey
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges today, remember this: God specializes in taking what little we have and multiplying it beyond measure. Like the widow with her small jar of oil, you may feel like you have nothing left—but in God’s hands, even “nothing” becomes more than enough.
As Philippians 4:19 reminds us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Trust Him with what you have and watch as He works miracles in your life.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Psalm 74 The New International Version
A maskil of Asaph.
1 O God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?
2 Remember the nation you purchased long ago,
the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—
Mount Zion, where you dwelt.
3 Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins,
all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.4 Your foes roared in the place where you met with us;
they set up their standards as signs.
5 They behaved like men wielding axes
to cut through a thicket of trees.
6 They smashed all the carved paneling
with their axes and hatchets.
7 They burned your sanctuary to the ground;
they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.
8 They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!”
They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land.9 We are given no signs from God;
no prophets are left,
and none of us knows how long this will be.
10 How long will the enemy mock you, God?
Will the foe revile your name forever?
11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!12 But God is my King from long ago;
he brings salvation on the earth.13 It was you who split open the sea by your power;
you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
14 It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
15 It was you who opened up springs and streams;
you dried up the ever-flowing rivers.
16 The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.
17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter.18 Remember how the enemy has mocked you, Lord,
how foolish people have reviled your name.
19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts;
do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.
20 Have regard for your covenant,
because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace;
may the poor and needy praise your name.
22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.
23 Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries,
the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.
