We read from 2 Kings 4:1-7 that a widow who could not pay her debts and stood the risk of losing her two sons as slaves asked the prophet Elisha for assistance. The widow had only a jar of oil. Elisha asked her to collect empty jars and pour her oil in them which she obeyed. Thereupon her single jar filled all the empty jars until there was none left. Elisha told her to sell them and pay her debts with the proceeds.
Relevance of crises
God works through crises. Crises are not meant for our defeat but an opportunity for God to manifest himself in our favour. Crises have always been the forerunner of miracles. For this reason, the bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Our limited knowledge cannot comprehend God’s plan for our lives. Therefore 1 Corinthians 1:25 says, the foolishness of God is wiser than men. Our crises stem from our personal deeds or generational curses which are inherited sins of generations before us, Psalms 79:8; Exodus 20:5.
Focus in crises
The widow sought counseling from God’s anointed prophet, Elisha. She received a permanent solution. We need such a gift of discernment. We read in 1 Corinthians 2:14 that, the unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. We can only resolve crises with divine wisdom as Solomon did, not with worldly wisdom as Judas did. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given.
Approach to crises
Most of us hide our crises, deny them or try to diminish their magnitude. In doing so, we largely deceive ourselves until the crises consume us with ferocious rage. The widow was forthright, transparent and honest with her problem in confession to Elisha. Only truth and humility can elicit God’s intervention. Mary, mother of Jesus was forthright with her need at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee when the wine got finished, John 2:3. Blind Bartimaeus was precise when said to Jesus in Mark 10:51, Master let me receive my sight. The lame for thirty-eight years at the Sheep Gate pool was specific about his needs to Jesus in John 5:7.
In all these instances, those who needed help were obedient to instructions. In John 2:5, Mary said, do whatever he tells you. Blind Bartimaeus and the lame at the pool were also obedient to Jesus’ instructions. We cannot move God’s hand or receive his favour without being obedient to him. 1 Samuel 15:22 says, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Obedience is God’s first principle in his relationship with us. Obedience to God is built on trust and trust, knowing who God is. God cannot be measured by human wisdom or human intelligence.
Character of crises
Crises most often appear insurmountable so we are often tempted to see God’s instructions for answers as illogical or stupid from human perspective. Jesus told Peter an experienced fisherman to cast his net in shallow waters after toiling all night without any catch yet Peter’s obedience produced results, Luke 5:5. The prophet Elisha told Naaman to wash his leprosy in Jordan seven times. Though he doubted, yet obeyed and got cleansed, 2 Kings 5:10.
Jesus asked the ten lepers to go and show themselves to the priests rather than healing them instantly when they asked for healing. They obeyed and got cleansed on their way to the priests, Luke 17:14. Jesus fed the five thousand besides women and children with only five loaves and two fish because his disciples obeyed his instructions even when it appeared impossible to the human mind, Matthew 14:15-21.
Do you have any crises? Have you made it known to Jesus? Have you been transparent about it to Jesus? Are you ready to obey Jesus’ instructions instead of human wisdom? Matthew 23:12 says, whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to approach only you in times of crises. Help me to be truthful in dealing with you in all situations. Help me to be obedient to your instructions without leaning on human wisdom. Answer me in crises when I call upon you. Wash me in your precious blood and save my soul today. Amen!!
