WHY DON’T WE BENEFIT FROM THE ANOINTED LEADERS?
(We ignore what we already have)
Main Text: 2 Kings 4:1–7
In 2 Kings 4:1–7, a widow faced a serious financial crisis. Her husband was dead, creditors were coming, and her children were at risk of being taken as slaves.
Elisha did not simply give her money. He gave her divine direction.
1. WE ARE ACCUSTOMED TO OUR PROBLEMS
2 Kings 4:1 “Your servant my husband is dead... and the creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”
Her husband was a servant of God, yet he died leaving a serious debt.
Being a believer does not automatically make us financially wise. We can love God, serve God, and still make poor financial decisions.
God wants to deliver us from financial bondage, but we must also learn financial wisdom.
2. WE SEEK MONEY INSTEAD OF A PERMANENT SOLUTION
The widow came to Elisha with her problem. She did not simply say, “Give me money.” She presented her situation and allowed the servant of God to give her direction.
The anointing may not give us what we ask for—it may show us what to do.
3. WE FAIL TO RECOGNIZE WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE
2 Kings 4:2 “What do you have in your house?”
She answered: “Your servant has nothing there at all, except a small jar of oil.”
The miracle was connected to what she already possessed.
God asked Moses: “What is that in your hand?” — Exodus 4:2. Moses had a staff.
Do not despise your small beginning.
4. WE DON’T OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS GOD GIVES US
2 Kings 4:3–5 The instructions were simple—but the miracle required obedience.
Sometimes God’s direction does not sound spectacular. You may be waiting for a dramatic prophecy, while God has already given you a simple instruction.
A miracle can be connected to an instruction we have not yet obeyed.
Faith is not merely believing. Faith acts.
5. LIMITED PREPARATION CAN PRODUCE LIMITED RESULTS
2 Kings 4:6 “Bring me another vessel.”
Her son answered: “There is not another.” The oil did not stop because God had run out of power.
We must ask ourselves: If God answers our prayer, are we prepared to handle the answer?
Do not pray for a greater harvest while preparing only a small container.
6. WE DON’T SEEK FURTHER DIRECTION AFTER THE BREAKTHROUGH
2 Kings 4:7 “Then she came and told the man of God.” The miracle had happened, but she returned for further instruction.
The miracle produced resources, but wisdom was still required to manage those resources.
A financial breakthrough does not automatically produce financial maturity.
THE BIG LESSON
DON’T JUST SEEK THE ANOINTING—SEEK THE DIRECTION.
DON’T JUST SEEK A MIRACLE—OBEY THE INSTRUCTION.
DON’T JUST ASK FOR RESOURCES—RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE.
DON’T JUST PRAY FOR INCREASE—PREPARE TO MANAGE IT.
DON’T JUST RECEIVE THE BLESSING—LEARN TO STEWARD IT.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255-712924234, Tanzania
