Elisha & the cruse of oil unfailing 

2 Kings 4.1-7

God uses resourcefulness and vision to keep the creditor from the door. Any lessons here for folks today?

I hear some anger in this woman's voice...vs1. The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."

Nobody could blame her. Elisha certainly didn't blame her for her anger, in fact, he asked how he could help. His next step was to earnestly seek God about the role he should play in this woman's despairing situation.

Unfortunately, we generally react negatively toward anyone who lashes out at us in despair and anger. Then, instead of seeking God for direction as to the role we should play, we typically try to explain how the individual could have handled this situation differently. Or, we try a little bit of blame assessment...if she and her husband would have been better prepared - life insurance, etc., she wouldn't be in this situation now.

God's instruction to Elisha is a good example for us. 

• First, encourage the woman's resourcefulness. 

• Secondly, empower her to take action and take control of her life and fiscal recovery. 

• Thirdly, give step by step encouragement as the stages come, not all at once up front!

There are indeed lessons here about resourcefulness and vision as relates to overcoming financial difficulties. But, there are also lessons to be learned here about our role and responsibilities as fellow Christians with those in crisis.

There is no room here for a 'be ye warm, be ye fed...' (let 'em eat cake) attitude. God calls us to practical Christianity where encouragement and compassion empower and change lives.