LIMITLESS RESOURCES
08th Jul 2026
What do you do, and to whom do you turn when you are desperate? The Bible tells of a situation where a lady’s husband had died, leaving great debts. The person to whom she owed the debt planned to take her two sons as his slaves. I call this situation “desperate”.
You can read the details in 2 Kings 4:1-7. The lady turns to the prophet Elisha. Her husband had been part of his company of prophets, so she already knew him. After she has explained her situation, he asks, “Tell me, what do you have in your house?” Her answer was, “Nothing except a little oil.”
Elisha replies, “Go around and ask all your neighbours for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour the oil into all the jars….” She obeys his instructions and returns to ask what she is to do next. He tells her, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”
She knew where to go and saw God act and rescue her. You and I have a Heavenly Father to whom we can go. He has promised to be “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.” (Psalm 68:5). He also tells you to, “Cast all your care upon Him, for he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
The question Elisha asks the widow has stayed with me, “What do you have in your house?” I understand that God is all-powerful, all-loving, and caring, and I have his promise that I can come to Him and ask for anything in Jesus’ Name.
When the situation is desperate and the need is great, I know where to go and find help. Over and over I’ve experienced His help. However, when the situation is less clear, it is so easy to be self-reliant and fail to turn to our Heavenly Father. I seek that my answer to Elijah’s question will be a trust in God, for whom nothing is impossible.
I want to be someone who waits for Him to act on my behalf, whatever my needs are. One who quickly turns to Him to see His wonderful care and provision, whatever the circumstances, knowing His resources are limitless.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
