Introduction: We serve a God of the impossible! When we face seemingly impossible situations like times of tragedy, this story teaches us that God is able to turn things around and reclaim blessings from tragedy. Let us look at 7 steps to do this:
I React to the situation
i) She did something about her situation: She did not sit back and expect things to happen to her. She was proactive as she faced her tragedy: death of her husband and potential enslavement of her sons.
ii) Things to avoid: a) Fatalism – what will be will be; b) Pity Party – why does it always happen to me; c) Condemnation & Accusation – God doesn’t love you, you are no good.
iii) Examples: Jehosaphat (2Ch 20:3) got alarmed and sought the Lord; David at Ziklag (1Sa 30:6) encouraged himself in the Lord.
II Request God
i) She cried out to the man of God – Elisha: He was the leading prophet in Israel, the leader of the school of prophets.
ii) How can I help you: Elisha knew what she wanted but until know she had merely complained not asked for anything. We need to have clear goals and be specific as we request God.
III Recognize what you have
i) What do your have in your house? At first she said she had nothing at all. Do we despise what we have? (Zec 4:10)
ii) Key to our breakthrough is with us: Moses had a staff, David an ordinary sling, the disciples a boy’s lunch. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2Pe 1:3).
IV Regard God’s Word
i) She listened very carefully to the instructions: This is evidenced by her obedience. Often we ask God but fail to listen to instructions. Her instructions were very specific.
ii) Success comes from carefully listening to the Word of God: Jos 1:8.
V Respond to the Instructions
i) She did what the man of God said: This is much harder than just listening. Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Perhaps it was embarrassing for her to go around to her neighbours and ask for vessels.
ii) Went to neighbours, got vessels, closed door, poured oil: She obeyed implicitly. Empty vessels were needed. You can’t fill vessels that are already filled. To receive the anointing we must empty ourselves. She had to close door and shut out distractions and hindrances to obeying God.
VI Return for further Instructions
i) She was not presumptuous after success: She had a great increase but was careful to continue to seek God for directions. She did not rely on her success for the future. Her dependency remained on God.
VII Receive the Blessings
i) God’s abundance: Her need was for the debt to be paid so that her sons would not be taken. She got that and more. God over-answers prayer; he over-rewards faith. Eph 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
ii) Examples: Solomon asked for wisdom to rule, they brought a paralytic to Jesus for healing, the dying thief wanted to be remembered in Jesus kingdom and Cornelius wanted to hear God’s Word. They all received more than they asked for.
Conclusion: God is a redeeming God. No matter what tragedy or seemingly impossible situation we face, God is able to turn it into success.
