Faith & Finance with Rob West
The Bible contains many stories of God’s miraculous provision, but few are as rich and practical as the account of the widow’s oil in 2 Kings 4:1–7. Though only seven verses long, this passage offers profound insight into how God provides for His people—and how He invites them to participate in His provision. On today’s Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, joined the program to unpack this story, one she often describes as a clear picture of “God’s part and our part” in stewardship.

The Bible contains many stories of God’s miraculous provision, but few are as rich and practical as the account of the widow’s oil in 2 Kings 4:1–7. Though only seven verses long, this passage offers profound insight into how God provides for His people—and how He invites them to participate in His provision.
On today’s Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, joined the program to unpack this story, one she often describes as a clear picture of “God’s part and our part” in stewardship.The story opens with a widow in dire circumstances. Her husband, a member of the company of prophets and a man who feared the Lord, has died, leaving behind unpaid debt. With no means to repay it, she risks losing her two sons to creditors.
In desperation, she cries out to the prophet Elisha for help. His response begins with a question that shapes the entire story: “What do you have in your house?”Her answer is simple and heartbreaking—nothing, except a small jar of oil.
Sharon Epps notes that God’s role in this story is clear. The widow had no way to create oil, multiply it, or secure buyers for it. God alone supplied what was needed.
“He was the provider of the oil,” Sharon explains, “and He also provided the buyers so the debt could be paid.” The widow’s increase came entirely from God, leaving no room for self-reliance or pride.This total dependence is part of the lesson. God’s provision is not something we manufacture; it is something we receive.

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While God provided the miracle, the widow was not passive. Sharon emphasizes that she played an important role.
She:
This balance—God’s provision paired with human faithfulness—is a pattern we see throughout Scripture.
The amount of oil multiplied was directly connected to the number of jars collected. When no vessels remained, the oil stopped flowing.
Sharon describes the jars as a physical expression of faith. The widow’s willingness to gather more vessels created space for God’s provision.
Sharon notes that God doesn’t work the same miracle in every life, but the same God is always at work. From this story, she highlights several principles that still apply:
Sharon also challenges listeners to view the story from a different perspective. Sometimes we are not the ones in need—we are the neighbors with empty jars.
God may have already placed resources in our hands—assets, opportunities, or skills—that He wants to use to meet someone else’s need.
In just seven verses, the story of the widow’s oil paints a powerful picture of stewardship: God provides; we respond in obedience. We rely on Him, seek wise counsel, act faithfully, and remain open to generosity.
As Sharon Epps reminds us, recognizing God’s role and our role brings freedom—and invites us to trust Him more fully with everything He has entrusted to us.
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