Increase In My Hands

INCREASE IN MY HANDS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 17:12-16

"And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth."

Supporting Texts: John 6:9-11, Matthew 14:19-20, 2 Kings 4:1-7

INTRODUCTION:

There are moments in life when we feel we have nothing left—when our resources are depleted, and our hands seem empty. In such moments, God calls us to trust in His ability to multiply what we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem. The story of the widow of Zarephath is a powerful reminder that God can take the little in our hands and make it sufficient to meet every need. When we release what we have to God, He has the supernatural ability to increase it beyond measure.

God is a God of multiplication. In the hands of the Lord, what seems like a tiny seed or a small portion can become an overflowing harvest. Just as God multiplied the oil and flour in the widow’s house, He desires to do the same in our lives. When we bring what we have to God, no matter how small, He can increase it for His glory. This message will explore how to experience increase in our hands through faith, obedience, and divine provision.

In a world where scarcity often seems to be the reality, God's provision is limitless. He can cause the little we have to go a long way. This increase is not just financial but encompasses every area of life: our health, relationships, opportunities, and even our spiritual growth. When God increases what we hold in our hands, we move from lack to abundance, from emptiness to fullness, and from struggle to victory.

1. THE POWER OF GOD TO MULTIPLY WHAT IS IN OUR HANDS

God specializes in taking what seems small and making it abundant.

a) God’s Ability to Multiply

Just as God multiplied the oil for the widow, He has the power to multiply anything in your hands (1 Kings 17:14).

b) From Scarcity to Abundance

When we put what we have in God's hands, scarcity is replaced with abundance (John 6:9-11).

c) Trusting God for Increase

God responds to faith and obedience, increasing what we give to Him (Matthew 14:19-20).

d) God’s Timing for Increase

God knows the right time to release increase into your hands (2 Kings 4:1-7).

Biblical Example: The multiplication of loaves and fish, where Jesus took a small amount and fed thousands (John 6:9-11).

2. THE ROLE OF FAITH IN EXPERIENCING INCREASE

Faith is the key to unlocking God’s supernatural provision.

a) Faith Releases the Power of God

Without faith, we limit God’s ability to multiply the little we have (Matthew 17:20).

b) Faith in God’s Promises

When we trust in God’s promises, we open the door for supernatural increase (Philippians 4:19).

c) Faith to Act on God’s Word

Faith is demonstrated by obedience to what God tells us to do, even when the circumstances seem impossible (1 Kings 17:13).

d) Faith in God’s Provision

When we have faith in God’s provision, we will never lack (Psalm 23:1).

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath’s faith in Elijah’s words led to the multiplication of her flour and oil (1 Kings 17:12-16).

3. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN OBEDIENCE AND INCREASE

Obedience to God unlocks the flow of increase in our lives.

a) Obedience to God’s Instructions

God often asks us to do the unexpected, and our obedience activates His blessing (John 2:5).

b) Obedience in Giving

Giving to God opens the door for abundance (Malachi 3:10).

c) Obedience to God’s Timing

God’s increase is often tied to His perfect timing, and our obedience ensures we don’t miss the appointed season (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

d) Obedience in Serving Others

When we serve others with a heart of obedience, God multiplies our resources (Matthew 25:35-40).

Biblical Example: The obedience of the widow to Elijah’s instructions led to her provision throughout the famine (1 Kings 17:13-16).

4. THE SUPERNATURAL HAND OF GOD IN INCREASE

God’s hand is upon us to bring increase that is beyond our natural ability.

a) Divine Favor for Increase

God’s favor opens doors of increase that no man can shut (Revelation 3:8).