Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.” (2 Kings 4:3)
WHEN MATTHEW FIRST DREAMED about helping in the remote African mission, he hadn’t anticipated experiencing difficulties trying to get there. He had spent years honing skills and preparing his heart. But recently it seemed everything was falling apart.
Though he had finally gotten his health under control, the financial hurdles were like nothing he had experienced before. How did it make sense that he would be stripped so bare at a time when he needed funds the most? As he poured out his woes to his mentor, Kyle, he was surprised at a calm response. And because Kyle was such a wise and trusted friend, Matthew knew he should follow the advice.
He set to work with canvas and paint. He had not worked like this before. The ideas seemed to come again and again, and hours passed in what seemed like an instant. By the end of the weekend, Matthew sat surrounded by his artwork, exhausted but exhilarated.
At the show, people stood mesmerized for hours. One after another, Matthew’s beautiful paintings sold, people expressing how significantly God was speaking to them through their prized piece. Could God really use his art like that? Matthew couldn’t believe the total when he added up the profits at the end of the evening; it far exceeded the amount he needed for his dream.
Ask the Lord how he might use something you already have.
Elizabeth Rhyno is a wife, mom, and worship leader. Elizabeth chooses to pursue the Lord and trust his plans are perfect at all times.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
