2 Kings 4:1-7
This passage in the bible tells the story of a widow who had two sons. When a creditor comes to her house, demanding that she pay an impossible debt, she must seek help from the prophet Elisha.
Just listen to how Elisha responds, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”
The widow replies that she has nothing except for a small jar of olive oil.
“Go around and ask all your neighbours for empty jars. Don’t ask for a few…” Elisha orders.
The widow obeys the prophet’s instructions, and a miracle happens; She pours out the oil into every empty jar in her house until there are no more left to fill. She manages to get out of debt by selling this oil.
Potential energy
Oil is significant in this story because it represents potential energy. And we all have some potential energy in the form of our gifts and talents. No one could have explained better than Steve Harvey when during one of his shows in 2018, he mentioned that your gift is something that “you do your absolute best with the least amount of effort”
What is even more remarkable about this energy is that when you start using it, it grows even further. Like the jars of oil, pouring out your gift into solving problems or helping others will help you get better in ways beyond your imagination.
It may look to you as if your gift is small or insufficient, so you choose to keep it bottled up. Whatever it is that is seemingly impossible now will be overcome by using your gift, pouring out your oil, whether it is the elusive job opportunity or the business that you want to start but have no money.
Look for areas where your skills may prove to be helpful even if it is just in a small way. Go to your school, church, or neighbourhood. Some who matters, the one who holds the key to your future success, may be watching. And you will never be noticed if you don’t go out and try.
You also need courage. Courage is defined in the dictionary as the ability to do something that frightens you, like asking for help or trying out an idea despite the possibility of failure. Do not be afraid to ask for that opportunity.
Do you have a gift for spotting business opportunities? Why not borrow capital from friends and family to get started? If you have a good eye for fashion, you can start with your friends and possibly run a blog to showcase your gift (while helping others).
You will never know the power of that gift until you start to pour it out. Do not be afraid to ask for more bottles. How much you can do is only limited by your imagination.
What do you have in your house that could change your life? Share in your comments.