God Will Provide

God Will Provide

Introduction:

Philippians 4:19 — “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This passage reminds us that God’s provision is not limited by circumstance or scarcity. Throughout Scripture, He has shown Himself faithful to those who trust Him, including the widow of 2 Kings 4:1–7.

The Need of the Widow
A poor widow approached Elisha in desperation. Her husband, one of the sons of the prophets, had died, leaving her with debts she could not repay. The creditor intended to take her two sons as slaves. She cried out to Elisha because there was no one else who could help. Her plea was one of faith, acknowledging Elisha as God’s messenger.

Under the Law of Moses, widows were to be cared for by the people of God. Exodus 22:22–24 and Deuteronomy 24:19–21 commanded compassion, provision, and protection. Yet in her time of need, this widow was neglected by those who should have helped. James 2:15–17 later warns Christians against this same neglect. Her only possession was a small jar of oil—an image of complete dependence on God.

Elisha’s Response to the Widow
Elisha’s instructions may have seemed unusual: gather as many empty vessels as possible from her neighbors and begin pouring oil into them. This required faith. She had to act in trust, obeying before seeing the result. Each borrowed vessel represented expectation—room for God to work.

Olive oil was valuable in ancient times, used for food, light, and medicine. What seemed insignificant became the very instrument of God’s power. He takes what we have, no matter how small, and uses it for His glory when faith responds in obedience.

God Takes Care of the Widow
As she poured, the oil continued to flow until every vessel was full. When the last jar was filled, the oil stopped. God provided exactly according to the measure of her faith and obedience. From a small jar came abundance. Psalm 121 beautifully reflects this same truth—our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Elisha instructed her to sell the oil, pay her debts, and live on the rest. Through her faith, God supplied her physical needs and preserved her family. This event reminds us that God’s power is limitless. As He multiplied the loaves and fishes in Matthew 14, He shows that He is not bound by human means.

God still uses His people to meet the needs of others. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17–19 that those who are rich should be “ready to give, willing to share,” storing up eternal treasure. The widow’s faith is also mirrored in the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8–16. In both cases, the Lord provided through obedience and trust.

We too have needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical. Jesus assured us in Matthew 6:26–33 that our heavenly Father knows our every need and provides for those who seek His kingdom first. The church also depends on God’s providence. We must place our confidence in Him rather than our own strength or resources.

God Will Provide Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Philippians 4:19 – God’s promise of provision.

• I. The Widow’s Desperation (2 Kings 4:1–2)

  • Her husband’s death left her destitute.

  • Her sons faced slavery under the creditor.

  • She cried to Elisha in faith, seeking God’s help.

   

• II. The Prophet’s Instruction (2 Kings 4:3–4)

  • Elisha commanded her to gather vessels.

  • Her obedience showed faith before the miracle.

  • God multiplies what is surrendered to Him.

   

• III. The Lord’s Provision (2 Kings 4:5–7)

  • Every vessel was filled—God’s power is complete.

  • She paid her debts and sustained her family.

  • God’s supply met the measure of her faith.

   

• IV. Lessons for Us Today

  • God provides through obedience and trust.

  • Faith acts before seeing the result.

  • God uses people to fulfill His providence.

  • Seek first His kingdom, and all needs will be supplied.

   

Call to Action:
Trust the Lord to provide for every need—spiritual, physical, and emotional. Like the widow, take what little you have, offer it in faith, and act upon His Word. God has never failed His people, and He will not fail you. The greatest need of all—salvation—is met only in Christ, through obedience to His gospel.

Key Takeaways:

• God’s provision is unlimited for those who trust Him (Philippians 4:19).

• Faith requires action before the blessing is seen (2 Kings 4:3–4).

• God’s care often flows through His people (1 Timothy 6:17–19).

• The greatest need—salvation—is found in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).

Scripture Reference List:

• Philippians 4:19 – God’s promise to supply all needs.

• 2 Kings 4:1–7 – The widow’s miracle of oil.

• Exodus 22:22–24; Deuteronomy 24:19–21 – God’s law protecting widows.

• James 2:15–17 – Faith without works is dead.

• Psalm 121 – The Lord is our Keeper and Provider.

• Matthew 6:26–33 – God provides for those who seek His kingdom.

• 1 Kings 17:8–16 – God’s provision for Elijah and the widow.

• 1 Timothy 6:17–19 – Use blessings to bless others.

• Psalm 37:3,5 – Trust in the Lord and He will provide.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO