How do I bring more abundance to my daily living? I want to get up each morning with an abundant mindset, yet find that challenging some days. As I go through some days, my scarcity mindset of “I can’t do this” or “Will life ever be the same again?” can pop up. How can I notice more of the abundance around me?
We are challenged daily
Daily we are challenged to find more hope, more faith, more peace, more joy, more gratitude. Or more answers, more clarity, more connections. We are seeking God in the midst of scarcity it feels. Our mindset jars of abundance run empty.
God gives us the story of Elisha and the widow as an example of how we might fill to overflowing those mindset jars of abundance in our daily living.
Elisha and the widow’s jars of oil
The widow in 2 Kings 4 asks the same questions of Elisha. She truly wants to know how she can possibly go on when creditors are coming to take her children away as slaves because she has no money to pay.
Elisha said to her, What can I do? Tell me what you have.”
She said, “Your servant has nothing at all in the house except a small jar of oil.”
He said, “Go out and borrow containers from all your neighbors. Get as many empty containers as possible. Then go in and close the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all those containers. Set each one aside when it’s full.”
She left Elisha and closed the door behind her and her sons. They brought her containers as she kept on pouring. When she had filled the containers, she said to her son, “Bring me another container.”
He said to her, “There aren’t any more.” Then the oil stopped flowing, and she reported this to the man of God.
He said, “Go! Sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what remains.”
I love how this story illustrates an abundant mindset in the midst of scarcity and how we can look to God for more abundance around us.
The widow asks for the support of a mentor
The widow knew who to ask. In looking at the abundance around her, she looked for those she trusted and who could support her in these times.
The questions got to the root of the need
Elisha asked right away – What can I do for you? – his part and tell me what you have- the things that she could access to help herself.
The widow believed she had nothing
In this story, the widow still didn’t see what abundance was available in her jar of oil. How often is that true for you and me? What I believe I have and what I actually have can be totally worlds apart.
Elisha gave her clarity
Often, we need someone to help us step outside the problem we are facing and help move towards a solution. In this case, Elisha gave her specific directions and a plan – get as many jars as you can, enlist the help of your family, then start filling the jars.
The widow acted in trust
Even when the plans of God sounded outlandish, she moved forward in trust. And was rewarded in abundance. The jars kept getting filled.
God became the provider
The widow got just what she needed and in abundance. God is our provider when we listen and keep our eyes on Him. How often has that happened to you? Unexpected money comes in… or someone calls to say they are praying for you when you least expect it.
What about you?
How can you practice the story of Elisha and the widow? What jars of oil need filling at your house? Or do you want to ask God to fill?
I want to see abundance all around me each day. I think this practice of abundance is a one day at a time practice. I believe He is a God of abundant joy and gratitude if we ask, notice and look.
Let me know how He fills your jars of oil. What mindset of abundance are you noticing?
Blessings,
Nancy