Day 5: What You Have is Enough

When receiving or living out a diagnosis, it's common to feel depleted, like you're always in need of care and provision. The widow in 2 Kings was like this. When Elisha pays her a visit, her town is in a drought, her husband is dead, and she and her son are starving to death. Elisha asks, “What do you have?” Read the room, Elisha! The widow was probably thinking, “I know what I don't have! A spouse, a supporter, water, or food!”

What she really tells him is, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” In other words, “I don’t have anything, just this.” Many of us feel like all we have is nothing, or at the very least, it’s just a little something. The truth is, you and I will never have everything it takes to be the perfect caregiver, friend, parent, spouse, or employee. But we all have something, and your "just this" is just enough.

The boy only needed a loaf of bread for Jesus to feed 5,000. David only needed a sling and rock to kill a giant. And just a little something is all that Elisha needed so God could perform a miracle. When the widow surrenders the little she has left (imagine how hard that would be), the oil in the jars multiplies and overflows, providing enough for her and her neighborhood.

Do you know that your diagnosis may leave you feeling depleted, but you provide something special and unique for your family and your people, even in the middle of it all? Your touch is unique. Your cooking is unique. Your ability to problem-solve is unique. Even in our most depleted moments, if we can bring what we have, it not only refreshes us but also refreshes those around us. That, in turn, gives us and those around us more life than we knew was possible.

Prayer:

Even though I feel depleted, show me what gifts I possess at this moment. Let me be aware of the blessings I can offer others around me today.

Declaration:

I have just enough for today. In my weakness, I still have an abundance and the ability to share blessings with those around me.