Gathering vessels…. (devo reflection)

2 Kings 4:3-4 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.”
Much like yesterday, the widow is called to participate in her blessings, to do the groundwork to prepare for God’s provision. I am struck by the fact that the oil flowed until she ran out of borrowed vessels. Had she borrowed more vessels, more oil would have flowed. Had she borrowed fewer vessels, the oil would have stopped flowing sooner.
2 Kings 4:5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.
Much like the widow, I find myself in desperate need. I am completely tapped out, always stressed, always feeling behind, always working, planning, grading, communicating with students, parents, counselors, admin, always running from task to task, putting out fires. I am exhausted, mentally and physically. I cannot keep up this pace. I know that God is calling me to gather vessels this morning. He’s telling me that He will bless me in proportion to my faith. But I’m so tired, so stressed. I don’t know what my metaphorical vessels are: prayers of friends? Stress relieving activities? Jesus, Help me.
2 Kings 4:6 When all 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.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for whispering to my heart, even though I don’t quite understand what you are trying to say. Help me to gather my vessels, to understand what those metaphorical vessels are, in preparation for You blessings. Thank You for seeing my distress and for understanding my desperate need for You. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Kings 4:7 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.”
Have a blessed day.