What Do You Have In Your Hand?

WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR HAND?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7

"And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil." – 2 Kings 4:2

Supporting Texts:

Exodus 4:2, 1 Kings 17:12-16, Matthew 17:27, John 6:9-13, 2 Corinthians 9:10

INTRODUCTION:

Many times, when faced with challenges, we focus on what we do not have rather than what God has already given us. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, a widow came to Elisha in desperation because her husband had died, leaving behind debts that threatened to take her sons into slavery. She felt helpless and had no idea how to solve her problem. However, Elisha asked her a crucial question: "What do you have in your house?"

The widow thought she had nothing, except a small jar of oil. Yet, that little oil was all God needed to perform a miracle of abundance in her life. This story teaches us a vital lesson: No matter how small it seems, what you have in your hand can become a vessel of supernatural provision when surrendered to God.

As we go through this study, we will explore how God uses what we already have to bring about miracles, breakthroughs, and blessings.

1. GOD USES WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

God never asks for what you do not have; He works with what is already in your possession.

a) God often asks, "What do you have?" (Exodus 4:2)

When Moses doubted his ability, God asked him, "What is that in your hand?" The rod in his hand became a tool for signs and wonders.

b) Your resources, no matter how small, are valuable in God’s hands (John 6:9-13)

A young boy had only five loaves and two fish, but Jesus used them to feed over 5,000 people.

c) Your breakthrough is not outside but within your reach (Matthew 17:27)

Jesus instructed Peter to catch a fish, and inside its mouth was the coin needed to pay their taxes.

d) Despising what you have can block your miracle (1 Kings 17:12-16)

The widow of Zarephath thought her little flour and oil were insignificant, but when she obeyed Elijah, God multiplied them.

e) Biblical Example: Samson and the Jawbone (Judges 15:14-16)

Samson only had the jawbone of a donkey, but he used it to defeat 1,000 Philistines.

2. OBEDIENCE TO GOD ACTIVATES HIS POWER

The miracle in your hand will only manifest when you obey divine instructions.

a) God’s instructions often require faith (Luke 5:4-6)

Peter had fished all night without results, but when Jesus told him to cast his net again, he caught a great multitude of fish.

b) Obedience leads to divine multiplication (2 Kings 4:3-4)

The widow was told to borrow vessels and pour out her little oil; as she obeyed, the oil kept flowing.

c) Partial obedience can hinder the full manifestation of your miracle (1 Samuel 15:22)

King Saul’s disobedience cost him the throne, showing that God values complete obedience.

d) Simple acts of faith bring supernatural results (John 2:5-9)

The servants at the wedding in Cana obeyed Jesus by filling the jars with water, and it turned into wine.

e) Biblical Example: Naaman’s Healing (2 Kings 5:10-14)

Naaman was told to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Though reluctant at first, his obedience led to his healing from leprosy.

3. GOD MULTIPLIES WHAT YOU SURRENDER TO HIM

When you release what is in your hands, God increases it beyond expectation.

a) God’s provision never runs dry when you trust Him (2 Kings 4:6)

The oil stopped flowing only when there were no more vessels to fill.

b) Faith-filled giving leads to supernatural increase (Luke 6:38)

"Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over."

c) God turns scarcity into abundance (Philippians 4:19)

"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

d) God uses ordinary things for extraordinary miracles (Exodus 4:17)

Moses' rod became a tool for miracles when he surrendered it to God.

e) Biblical Example: The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44)

The poor widow gave two small coins, yet Jesus said she gave more than all the rich people because she gave out of her lack.

4. GOD TURNS YOUR TROUBLE INTO A TESTIMONY

The widow in 2 Kings 4 was facing destruction, but God turned her crisis into a miracle.

a) God specialises in turning problems into opportunities (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph’s brothers meant evil against him, but God turned it into good.

b) Every challenge you face is an opportunity for God to manifest His power (Romans 8:28)

"All things work together for good to them that love God."