Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest impact. This truth is beautifully illustrated through the story of a widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7, who demonstrates how God can transform our smallest offerings into miracles when given in faith.
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What Was the Widow’s Crisis?
A widow approached the prophet Elisha in desperate circumstances. Her husband had died, leaving debts behind. The creditor was threatening to take her two sons as slaves unless she could pay what was owed. In ancient times, this was a common practice – making the threat very real.
What Did She Have to Offer?
When Elisha asked what she had, her first response was “nothing.” But then she remembered – she had a small jar of olive oil. It seemed insignificant, hardly worth mentioning. Yet this tiny offering became the catalyst for a miracle.
How Did God Work Through Her Small Offering?
Following Elisha’s instructions, the widow:
- Gathered empty jars from neighbors
- Went inside with her sons
- Began pouring her small amount of oil
- Watched as the oil continued flowing until every jar was full
The miracle provided enough oil to pay her debts and support her family. But the greater miracle was the demonstration of what God can do with our smallest offerings when given in faith.
What Does This Teach Us About Faith?
Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1-2 as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The widow demonstrated this by:
- Acknowledging what little she had
- Offering it to God despite its seeming insignificance
- Trusting God could use it
- Following through with obedience
Why Do We Doubt Our Small Offerings?
Many of us feel we don’t have enough to offer God:
- Not enough Bible knowledge
- Limited social skills
- Different gifts than others
- Fewer opportunities
- Limited resources
But God has a habit of making great things from little offerings. We see this pattern throughout Scripture:
- Five loaves and two fish feeding thousands
- David’s shepherd boy beginnings
- Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle
- Joseph’s rise from prisoner to prince
Life Application
The key truth is this: Whatever you have is enough for God to use for His good purpose. You no longer have the authority to determine what God can and cannot use in your life.
Ask yourself:
- What small offering am I holding back from God?
- Where am I disqualifying myself from being used by God?
- How might God want to use my “small jar of oil” to bless others?
This week’s challenge: Identify one small thing you can offer to God – whether it’s time, talent, or resource. Offer it to Him in faith, praying “God, I give you what I have. Would you do with it what you will and may it go towards your glory?”
Remember, faith isn’t about the size of your offering – it’s about trusting the size of your God.