Elisha: A Tale of Ridiculous Faith - Part 4

Elisha: A Tale of Ridiculous Faith – Part 4

Scripture Reference: 2 Kings 4:1–7 (NKJV)

Introduction

Faith is often tested in ways that stretch our understanding and push us beyond what seems reasonable. Elisha’s ministry provides multiple examples of this “ridiculous faith” — moments when God calls His people to act in obedience, even when the circumstances seem impossible.

In 2 Kings 4, we encounter the story of the widow of one of the prophets. She faced a dire situation: her husband had died, and creditors were coming to take her two sons as slaves to settle debts. Her resources were nearly gone, and yet Elisha gave her instructions that seemed unusual and even impractical at first glance.

---

The Call to Ridiculous Faith

Elisha told the widow:

“Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. Then go in and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour out from the vessels; when each is full, set it aside” (2 Kings 4:3–4).

Notice how her faith was tested: she had to trust in God’s provision before seeing any tangible results. She could not pour water into vessels she did not have, nor could she predict how God would multiply what seemed like nothing.

Ridiculous faith often requires:

1. Obedience without full understanding – Trusting God even when instructions seem unusual.

2. Persistence in the process – Continuing to act faithfully, step by step.

3. Dependence on God’s power – Acknowledging that the solution comes from God, not human effort.

---

The Miracle and Its Meaning

The widow obeyed. She gathered all the vessels she could find, poured the small amount of oil she had, and God multiplied it so that she had more than enough to pay her debts and provide for her family (2 Kings 4:7).

This story teaches us:

• God honors faith that acts in obedience. Faith without action is incomplete (James 2:17).

• God can multiply even the smallest resources. What seems insufficient in our hands is more than enough in God’s hands.

• Ridiculous faith requires trust over reason. God often calls us to step into the impossible to experience His miraculous power.

---

Application for Today

1. Trust God with your “empty vessels.” Whether it’s finances, relationships, or opportunities, bring what little you have and trust God to multiply it.

2. Take steps of obedience immediately. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; act in faith now.

3. Expect God to exceed your expectations. When we obey God, He provides abundantly, often in ways we could never imagine.

---

Conclusion

The widow’s story reminds us that faith may sometimes seem ridiculous, but obedience paired with trust unlocks God’s miraculous provision. Today, God is calling you to step out in faith, pour out your resources, and watch Him multiply what seems impossible.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

 

Elisha: A Tale of Ridiculous Faith - Part 3

About SpringHill Church

Thanks for joining us today during this message. SpringHill Church exists to reach people far from God and bring them to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. For more information about our church please click on the link below to visit our website.
Visit Site
God can do exceptional things with your exception!

Scripture

2 Kings 4:1-2 NIV
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves." Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a small jar of olive oil."
Go to Bible Reader »

Notes

WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED, GOD IS WHAT YOU NEED.

Scripture

2 Kings 4:2 NIV
Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a small jar of olive oil."
Go to Bible Reader »

Notes

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE MUCH?

---

Notes

Stop waiting for what you want, and start working with what you have!

---

Notes

2) OFFER GOD WHAT YOU HAVE AND TRUST HIM TO GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED.

---

Scripture

2 Kings 4:3-7 NIV
Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one." But he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."
Go to Bible Reader »

---

Notes

When she offered what little she had, God gave her everything she needed and then some!

Prayer Requests

If you would like for us to join you in prayer for a need in your life, you may send that request to us here.
Visit Site

Online Giving

If you would like to give to SpringHill Church, you may give online by clicking the link below to visit our site and give via a secure Paypal link.
Give now

Listen To Previous Messages

If you would like to download or listen to this message or previous messages in this series or other messages from our archives, follow the link below or visit iTunes and search for SpringHill Church or Pastor Brad Mullins.
Listen

Elisha: A Tale of Ridiculous Faith - Part 2

“Elisha: A Tale of Ridiculous Faith – Part 2” titled “Ridiculous  Commitment” 

---

🕊️ Main Theme: Ridiculous Commitment

Elisha’s story is a powerful example of radical and unwavering faith. He left behind a comfortable life to pursue God’s purpose, demonstrating total surrender and commitment.

---

📖 Key Scriptures:l 

• 1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21 – Elisha is chosen and anointed by Elijah.
• 2 Kings 2:1–11 – Elisha refuses to leave Elijah, showing loyalty and spiritual perseverance.
• 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 – God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

---

🔥 Key Lessons:

4. Elisha’s Background:

   • Called to a life of significance.
   • Embraced God’s call and allowed it to shape his life.
   • Chosen by God, not based on status but on willingness.

5. Obstacles in Ministry:

   • Faced monotony and spiritual testing.
   • Refused to abandon his calling despite Elijah’s repeated offers to leave him behind.
   • Demonstrated loyalty and faithfulness.

6. Total Commitment:

   • Slaughtered his oxen and burned his plow—symbolizing no turning back.
   • Made an irrevocable decision to follow God.

---

💬 Reflection Question:

What in your life represents your “oxen” or “plow”? Are you willing to “burn” it to fully embrace God’s calling?

---

🙏 Conclusion:

Elisha’s ridiculous commitment is a model for us to obey God completely and without reservation. Like Elisha, we are called to let go of the past and step into a future shaped by faith.

---

Elisha: A Tale of Ridiculous Faith - Part 1

About SpringHill Church

Thanks for joining us today during this message. SpringHill Church exists to reach people far from God and bring them to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. For more information about our church please click on the link below to visit our website.
Visit Site

Scripture

1 Kings 19:19-21 NIV
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye," he said, "and then I will come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
Go to Bible Reader »

---

Notes

TWO PRINCIPLES OF RIDICULOUS COMMITMENT:

---

Notes

1.) YOU DON'T HAVE TO UNDERSTAND FULLY TO OBEY IMMEDIATELY.

---

Scripture

1 Kings 19:20 NIV
Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye," he said, "and then I will come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?"
Go to Bible Reader »

---

Note

God is more interested in your full obedience than your full understanding.

---

Notes

God's directions are often intentionally vague.

---

Notes

God will often lead you with one word.

---

Notes

He'll do the showing if we'll do the going!

---

Notes

2.) THOSE GOD USES THE MOST ARE THE ONES WHO HOLD ON TO THE LEAST.

---

Scripture

1 Kings 19:21 NIV
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
Go to Bible Reader »

---

Notes

Sometimes you have to burn "PLAN B".

---

Notes

Do you have plow burning faith?

---

Notes

Sometimes to take a step towards your destiny, you have to take a step away from your security.

Prayer Requests

If you would like for us to join you in prayer for a need in your life, you may send that request to us here.
Visit Site

Online Giving

If you would like to give to SpringHill Church, you may give online by clicking the link below to visit our site and give via a secure Paypal link.
Give now

Listen To Previous Messages

If you would like to download or listen to this message or previous messages in this series or other messages from our archives, follow the link below or visit iTunes and search for SpringHill Church or Pastor Brad Mullins.
Listen

Small Things Big Difference - Part 4

Small Things, Big Difference – Part 4

Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:14–30 (The Parable of the Talents)

Introduction

Often in life, we think that only grand actions, big decisions, or major gifts make a difference for God. Yet Scripture repeatedly reminds us that small, faithful acts can have enormous impact when done in obedience to Him.

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus teaches us that stewardship isn’t about the size of what we have — it’s about what we do with it. Even a little, when faithfully invested, can multiply in God’s kingdom.

---

The Power of Small Things

1. Faithful Actions Multiply

   • The servant who had five talents and the one with two both invested what they were given and were praised for their faithfulness.

   • Small actions, consistently done, compound over time to produce great results in the lives of others and in God’s kingdom.

2. Obedience Matters More Than Size

   • The servant with one talent buried it out of fear and was rebuked.

   • God is less concerned about what you have and more concerned about what you do with it. Small acts of obedience can have eternal consequences.

3. God Sees Your Effort

   • Even tiny gestures of kindness, prayer, encouragement, or generosity are never overlooked by God.

   • Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

---

Application: Making a Big Difference with Small Things

• Daily Acts of Love: Smile, encourage, or pray for someone — small gestures that create ripples of blessing.

• Faithful Use of Resources: Offer what you have — time, money, or talent — in service to God, trusting Him to multiply it.

• Consistent Obedience: Don’t wait for “big opportunities.” God can use your small, faithful steps to accomplish His purposes.

Remember: A little bit of faithfulness today can produce eternal fruit tomorrow.

---

Illustration

Think of a small seed. Planted and nurtured, it grows into a mighty tree. One tiny seed can provide shade, fruit, and shelter for generations. Likewise, small acts done for God, when consistently nurtured with prayer and faith, can impact countless lives beyond what you can imagine.

---

Conclusion

Small things matter. Small efforts, small prayers, small acts of love and obedience — they all make a big difference in God’s kingdom.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10).

Today, take one small step of faith — a prayer, a kind word, or a simple act of service — and watch God transform it into something eternal.

Small Things Big Difference - Part 3

Small Things, Big Difference – Part 3

Scripture Reference: Luke 16:10 (NKJV) – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

---

Introduction

In life, it’s easy to underestimate the power of small acts. We often think that only grand gestures or large accomplishments make a difference. Yet, Scripture teaches us that faithfulness in small things leads to greater opportunities and eternal rewards.

Jesus reminds us that how we handle the small things in life is a reflection of our character, faith, and trustworthiness.

---

The Significance of Small Things

1. Faithfulness in Little Matters

   • Luke 16:10 shows that even the smallest responsibilities are significant to God.

   • If we faithfully serve God in small, daily matters—whether it’s helping a neighbor, being honest at work, or serving our family—He can entrust us with greater responsibilities in His kingdom.

2. Small Actions Have Eternal Impact

   • A kind word, a small donation, a short prayer, or a simple act of service can ripple into something much greater.

   • Sometimes, the smallest things we do for others are the things God uses to change a life forever.

3. Trust Builds Through Small Steps

   • God watches how we handle small opportunities to see if we can be trusted with bigger ones.

   • Small acts of obedience today prepare us for larger assignments in His plan.

---

Practical Applications

• Be Faithful Daily: Commit to being consistent in the small tasks God gives you.

• Serve Without Expectation: Even when no one notices, God sees your faithfulness.

• Use Your Gifts in Small Ways: Whether it’s a talent, resource, or time, invest it wisely — even in little ways.

• Encourage Others: A small word of encouragement or a simple act of kindness can have a lasting effect.

---

Illustration

Think of a tiny mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). Though it’s small, planted in the right conditions, it grows into a tree that provides shade, shelter, and fruit. Similarly, small acts of obedience and faith grow into significant spiritual fruit, often in ways we can’t immediately see.

---

Conclusion

Small things matter more than we realize. Faithfulness, integrity, and obedience in little things prepare us for greater opportunities and eternal rewards.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10

Take a moment today to commit to small acts of faith and kindness, trusting that God will multiply them in ways beyond your imagination.

Small Things Big Difference - Part 2

Small Things, Big Difference – Part 2

Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:21 (NKJV) – “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’”

---

Introduction

Sometimes we think that only big, dramatic actions for God really count. But Scripture reminds us that faithfulness in the small things leads to great spiritual fruit and eternal reward.

The Parable of the Talents illustrates this beautifully: servants were given resources according to their ability, and those who were faithful with a little were entrusted with much more.

---

The Importance of Small Things

1. Faithfulness in Little Things Matters

   • Jesus praised the servants not for the size of their talents, but for their faithfulness with what they were given.

   • Even small acts of obedience—like helping a neighbor, sharing a kind word, or giving a portion of your time or resources—matter deeply to God.

2. Small Acts Lead to Greater Opportunities

   • When we are faithful in small matters, God entrusts us with bigger opportunities for His glory.

   • These small acts become stepping stones for greater spiritual impact and deeper growth in our faith.

3. Joy Comes from Faithful Service

   • The master in the parable invites faithful servants into his joy.

   • There is joy and satisfaction in serving God faithfully, regardless of the size of the task.

---

Practical Applications

• Start Small, Be Consistent: Don’t wait for a big opportunity to serve. Daily obedience matters.

• Serve with a Heart of Excellence: Do even the small tasks with love, diligence, and integrity.

• Invest Your Gifts Wisely: Use your time, talents, and resources to bless others, even in simple ways.

• Celebrate Small Victories: Recognize that small acts of faithfulness are noticed by God and produce eternal results.

---

Illustration

Think of a tiny candle in a dark room. Alone, it seems insignificant, but its light drives away darkness and illuminates the way for others. Similarly, small acts of faith and kindness may seem minor, but they can shine brightly and transform lives around us.

---

Conclusion

Small things truly make a big difference when done faithfully for God. Our consistency, obedience, and love in little matters prepare us for greater responsibility and eternal joy in God’s kingdom.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” – Matthew 25:21

Commit today to faithfulness in the small things, trusting that God will multiply your efforts for His glory.