There's Oil in the House

I wish I could say that I came up with this title all by myself.

I can't. In fact, I’ve borrowed it from a sermon my pastor, Dr. Archie McInnis preached a few years ago. Never did I think I would need it as much as I do now.

The title is derived from the passage of scripture found in 2 Kings 4:1-6. A widow was in distress because her husband died and left her in debt. She was distraught, afraid and worried. The creditors came to collect and she didn't have the money. Instead, they decided to take her sons as bondsmen to settle the debt.

Imagine this woman's shame, horror and pain. Not only did she lose her husband, but she was in danger of losing her sons as well. This woman did the only thing she could think to do. She went to the man of God, the prophet Elisha for a solution. Rather than giving her money, Elisha asked her, "What do you have in your house?" She said, "I have a pot of oil."

The pot of oil in her house was significant. She had something of value that was able to produce more. We are living in a day and time when people are seeking ways to increase their income. It's a reality and I do not hide from it and neither should you. If you are looking for additional income streams, look in your house.

What talents do you have shelved in your house? Do you have the ability to write and you don't? Are you an avid reader that can post book reviews for web sites and receive payment? Perhaps your oil is not writing related – you cook, sew or baby-sit well.

God has given each of us the ability to do something that will produce more. Do not be stressed by the recession, the high cost of living or your daily expenses. Our God has given us something that will maintain us. It is our duty to seek instruction and then step out on faith.

After obeying Elisha, the widow had enough to pay off her debt and live off the rest. If you take the time to look and ask God, you will see a pot of oil in your house.

It is there.

Be blessed,
Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer is the Editor www.urbanchristianfiction.com and the creator of the College Prayer Network. You can read more of her inspirational words at her personal blog, The Gospel Writer. UrbanChristianFictionBanner RainStorm HeavenBound KeepingMiseryCompany

What is Urban Christian Fiction?

Urban Christian Fiction is a genre of emotional, vivid and conflicting stories that mixes God, faith and the urban church. It does not purposely exclude violence or sex from its story line, but weaves it into the plot based upon its relevance. It closely resembles Urban Fiction or Street Lit except, God is the center of the character’s lives. Urban Christian Fiction usually portrays characters of African or Latino descent depicting urban culture.