Day 4: Obedience in the Wilderness

During a time of great sorrow, this widow is facing the threat of losing even more than she’s already lost. Life without a husband left her vulnerable, and she had no idea what to do. She went to Elisha for help. He asked her, “What do you want me to do for you? What do you have?” She thought she had nothing, just a small jar of olive oil. At first, Elisha’s instructions seem strange: why would her last jar of oil be the key to saving her children? Why ask her neighbors for empty jars to fill? It doesn’t make sense, yet in her obedience God multiplied what little she had, turning her last offering into more than enough. Sometimes God‘s ways are surprising, and provision comes through what seems insignificant or even impossible.

There are often times when I think I have nothing left to give, and the Holy Spirit gently reminds me of a “small jar” that I can offer the Lord. I love this story because it is 100% God’s provision, yet it required the widow to act. Too often, I get stuck waiting for God to move, when he has already invited me to take the next step. I love that the Lord’s desire is to partner with us.

I remember a wilderness season of back-to-back traumas when I felt frustrated with God and had nothing left to give Him. Even spending time with Him felt impossible. I was afraid more would be taken away from me and honestly, I wanted to be in control. My heart was hardened but my head knew I had nowhere better to go than the Lord. My spiritual director encouraged me to simply place my hand on the window each morning and say, “Good morning, Lord.” This is such a small, insignificant jar to offer the Lord that I thought it wouldn’t change anything. It wouldn't be enough.

And if a neighbor ever saw me, they would think I was crazy for flinging open my curtains and putting my hand on the window, but I had nothing left to lose. Slowly, He took that tiny act and grew it into a deeper desire to be with Him. He was drawing me closer to Him. That simple act of obedience changed the trajectory of my relationship with the Lord.

As I slowly emerged from that wilderness season, the Lord began building a new foundation for our relationship. I started to understand that I don’t need to earn His favor or perform for Him. He simply wants to be with me. Looking back, I remember how painfully hard that season felt, and I am so grateful for God’s kindness. He never gave up on me and he used that time to grow our relationship so that it wasn’t based on my performance.

I am convinced that I will never fully understand the Lord’s ways on this side of heaven. But I do know that the Lord is good and kind, and that He desires good things for us. He responds to our obedience to him, even if it doesn’t come in the timing or way we expect. What do you want the Lord to do for you? How are you going to obey what He says? Do you trust He’ll use your “jar,” even if it seems too small?


PRAY:
Lord, thank you that you are good. Thank you for responding to our obedience. When things feel impossible, would you help us to recognize the “small jars” we have to offer you and would we give you everything. Help us to be a people quick to obedience.