A Story That Inspired My Heart
2 Kings 4:1–7 (AMP)
“Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a small jar of oil… Go, borrow containers from all your neighbours, empty containers — and not just a few… shut the door behind you… pour out the oil…”
A couple of weeks ago, my pastor preached an excellent message entitled “Jars” as part of a series on being “Vessels”. Of course, the story is about God’s provision, but it’s also about God using the small things we already have.
Jesus would often ask people questions like, “What do you have?” or “What do you want Me to do for you?” These questions were never random. They were purposeful.
Even when the need was blatantly obvious, the question was meant to ignite something, engage something, awaken something in the individual.
It was meant to stir faith into action.
When the Lord Spoke to Me About Jars
During the week after that message, the Lord said to me:
“Your faith is like those jars.”
If we keep presenting the empty vessel, God will fill it.
The same intensity and intentionality that the widow had in gathering jars is the same intensity and intentionality we need in putting our faith out before Jesus.
She could have doubted. She could have laughed. She could have questioned the prophet.
But she didn’t.
She acted.
I doubt she told her neighbours what she needed the jars for. She simply gathered them, shut the door, and poured. She didn’t stop to question how the miracle was happening. She just obeyed.
And just like the widow, we have a choice.
We choose whether we will believe the Word of God spoken over our lives, just as she chose to believe the word given to her through the prophet of God.
Faith is always a choice.
Declaring God’s Promises Over Our Lives
We can take God’s Word in the same way – intentionally, actively, believingly.
Here are some promises we can declare, personalised:
“You will keep (your name goes here) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You.” (Isaiah 26:3)“
“My peace I give to (your name goes here)… not as the world gives.” (John 14:27)
“The peace of God will guard (your name goes here) heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
“He will quiet (your name goes here) with His love.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
“My presence will give (your name goes here) rest.” (Exodus 33:14)
“He leads (your name goes here) beside still waters… He restores your (your name goes here) soul.” (Psalm 23:2–3)
Dig out the promises God has made over your life. Recite them daily. Declare them over yourself. Push your faith out there. Believe that the God who cannot lie will fulfil His Word.
Faith Comes by Hearing
Romans 10:17
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Just like the widow, we choose to believe God’s Word rather than our circumstances.
And if the enemy is sniffing around your heels, we stand in that same faith, because we fight from victory, not for victory. Jesus already overcame the powers of the enemy.
Stir Up Your Faith
2 Timothy 1:6
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…”
What are you doing with your jars of faith?
Are they sitting empty in a corner?
Do you need to pick one up again?
Ask God to help you stir up your faith, to believe again.
We must be careful how much we keep our eyes on the world. We’re in it, but not of it. We’re from a kingdom of faith, not a kingdom of fear. So take your eyes off the waves of the world and fix them back on Jesus.
Shut the Door and Pour
Do you need to get into your prayer place, shut the door behind you, and ask the Lord to help you?
Sometimes that’s exactly what faith looks like.
My Own Recent Jars
A few weeks ago, I shared some heavy things going on in my life, the death of a colleague, challenges with one of my children, and a sudden financial situation that came out of nowhere.
I don’t think I’m an example to anyone. But I share because I have no shame. Jesus bore my shame. And Scripture says:
Revelation 12:11
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
So I don’t stay silent.
As each situation hit, I gave it to the Lord. Every time anxiety tried to creep in, I lifted it to Jesus and said, “Lord, I give this to You.” Not blindly, but believing He truly cares.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.”
And I’ve seen breakthroughs come, both small ones and significant ones.
I’ve decided I’m going to believe my Father. I’m not believing the enemy’s lies anymore. And I urge you to do the same.
How Will You Go Through It?
Whatever the situation is, we’re going through it anyway.
The question is: How?
Will I go through it fearful, anxious, and distressed?
Or will I go through it trusting my Father, experiencing His peace?
I’m not perfect. I’m just walking like everyone else. But I’m choosing to walk with God, and every time worry comes, I throw it back to Him.
What Do Your Jars Look Like?
If this resonates with you, I’m going to be bold and ask something simple:
If this encouraged you, hit like.
And if you have something to say, leave a comment.
Your comment might be the very thing that helps someone else.
That’s how we encourage one another.
🌿 Closing Prayer
Father, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You for every jar of faith represented in our lives.
Lord, teach us to bring our empty vessels before You with boldness and expectation.
Stir up our faith again.
Help us to shut the door on fear, anxiety, and distraction, and to pour out our trust in You without hesitation.
Fill every empty place.
Restore every weary heart.
Strengthen every wavering hand.
May Your peace guard our minds, Your presence steady our steps, and Your Word anchor our souls.
Lord, help us to choose faith like the widow, to believe Your Word above our circumstances.
And as we walk with You, let our testimony encourage someone else along the way.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen 🙏🏾🙌🏾
May God bless you all,
‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)
Note from Brother Don — click to open
I would love for this space to become more interactive as we walk together in faith. If there are subjects you’d like to explore from a Christian perspective, or if you have prayer needs for yourself, your family, or your friends, please feel free to reach out.
You can send a private message through the site — these are confidential and not visible to anyone else. The only exception would be if a safeguarding concern were raised; in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
Above all, I want to ensure that what is shared here reflects what the Lord desires to say. Sometimes the “signal” of life can get in the way, and your feedback helps me stay prayerful, discerning, and aligned with His heart. Whether you simply read along or choose to share, I’m grateful you’re here.
Beginning a Journey With Jesus — click to open
If you’re exploring the Christian faith or wondering what it means to follow Jesus, you’re in the right place. Beginning a journey with Him is the most life‑changing decision a person can make — and it’s open to everyone.
Below is a simple explanation of the gospel message, followed by a prayer you can use if you feel ready to invite Jesus into your life.
A Brief Summary of the Gospel Message:
- God created you for relationship with Him.
- Sin — the things we do wrong — separates us from God.
- We cannot fix this separation by our own efforts.
- Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth, lived without sin, and died on the cross to take our place.
- He rose again, defeating sin and death.
- Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored, and made new.
- Salvation is a gift — received by faith, not earned by good works.
- When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming our lives.
- We become children of God, with a new identity and a new future.
A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I want to know You. I admit that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again so that I could be made new. Today, I choose to turn away from my old life and follow You. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live for You from this day forward. Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and making me Your child. Amen.”
What to Do Next:
1. Find a Local Church
Look for a Bible‑believing church in your area. Speak to the pastor or leadership team
and let them know about the commitment you’ve made. They will be able to support you,
pray with you, and help you grow.
2. Consider the Alpha Course
I strongly recommend the Alpha Course, which runs worldwide. It’s a safe, friendly place
to explore questions about life, the Christian faith, and God — whether you’re brand new
or simply curious.
Visit the Alpha Course website
3. Reach Out if You’d Like Support
If you’d like prayer, have questions, or want to talk privately, you can send a confidential
message through the site. Nothing you share will be visible to others. The only exception is
if a safeguarding concern is raised — in that case, it may need to be passed on to the
appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
