Let’s take a look at these verses, one by one. Verse one introduces us to the circumstance or condition. This woman cried out to Elisha and stated her case. “I’m in this situation over which I have no control, and my children will also be affected. I need your help.” She has nowhere to go, and no one else can help her. Have you ever been there—the end of your ropes with no other alternative but to just hang on? It’s the perfect opportunity to experience God’s supernatural power.
Look at Elisha’s response in verse two. Elisha just plainly asks her, “What shall I do for you?” His response shows the compassion of God. I want you to really think about that, “What shall I do for you?” Matthew 7:7 tells us to ask and it shall be given. Sometimes the storms are so great though, that we may not even know what to ask for. Elisha asks, “What do you have here in the house?” and she replies, “All I have is a jar of oil.” God is ready to use us right where we are, even when we think we have nothing else to give and nothing else to offer. Elisha asked, “What is in the house?” What you need is already inside of you. God has given us all a measure of faith. We have to learn to tap into it. Notice Elisha’s reply. He didn’t say, “Is that it? That’s all you have?” He was ready to move by the authority of God. God will multiply what you already have, and He will provide the increase.
In verse three, God led me to the latter part of the verse. Elisha told her to borrow empty vessels from everyone and then said, “Do not gather just a few.” How many times have we limited God? Why do we underestimate Him? God can move so far beyond our limitations. We know that He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, right? We serve the God of much more than enough, so what causes us to settle for less than what He promises?
Our faith needs to extend to new heights, so that He can take us even further. Do not gather just a few. When you ask God for what you need, do not ask for just a few. God will provide and use you to do things far beyond your own ability.
The woman and her sons gathered as many vessels as they could find. The number of vessels was an indication of their faith.
Verse 5 says, “So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out.” Notice, Elisha was not pouring the oil, the woman poured from the oil that she already had. (That one jar of oil.) We have to be willing to pour everything out before the Lord. All of it; so that God can fill us up. Remember, Elisha said to gather empty vessels. Sometimes we ask God to fill us, but we won’t let go of what is taking up space in our hearts, minds, and our spirit. How can God fill you if you have no room? The woman poured out from what she already had. Remember, you have what you need, so tap into it. She poured from that one jar and filled all of the containers they had gathered. When she told Elisha, he instructed her to sell the oil, pay her debt, and for her and her sons to live off the rest.
The Manna Chef 