TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” 2 Kings 4:2

Read: 2 Kings 4:1-7 Listen: 2 Kings 4

TODAY'S MESSAGE

Elisha serves God as a prophet in Israel during a dark time. The kingdom is divided, and people worship foreign gods. Amid this darkness, a widow brings her great need to Elisha. In the ancient world, without a husband, she cannot generate income to pay her bills. Creditors threaten to enslave her children to settle the debts, which would leave her even more alone and desperate. She calls out for help, and God closes her gap powerfully.

We often feel helpless, weak and desperate when we face a gap. Like the widow, we may have a resource gap and feel uncertain about whether or not we will make it. We may see a gap between our character and who God calls us to be in Scripture. We may face emotional gaps, feeling empty and sad, when we desire fulfillment and happiness. We may feel unworthy and unwanted even though God says he values and loves us. We may be exhausted and need rest. These gaps are opportunities to grow. Just as the widow sought God’s help through Elisha, we can recognize our gaps and intentionally seek God’s help. (This week, we will see how the widow asks boldly, acts decisively and learns to trust God daily.)

TODAY: Consider where you are experiencing a gap in your life and how God desires to grow you. Ask God to meet you in the gaps. “God, I recognize I have gaps in who I am and who you desire me to be. Please show me how to grow this week in seeking and trusting you each day. Amen.”

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Read Zechariah 8. Highlight anything that points to Jesus.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.