From Scarcity to Abundance
Trusting God with What You Have
From Scarcity to Abundance: Trusting God with What You Have
Have you ever felt like you don’t have enough to meet the demands of life—whether it’s time, resources, or strength? The Bible is full of stories where individuals faced such moments of scarcity and chose to trust God with everything they had. These stories remind us of a profound truth: God multiplies what we offer when we trust in His promises and give selflessly and generously.
In this lesson, we’ll explore three powerful examples: the widow of Zarephath, the Shunammite woman’s offering, and the disciples with five loaves and two fish. Together, these stories reveal timeless principles for trusting God, offering what we have, and experiencing His miraculous provision in our daily lives.
Faith in Action: Stories of Trust and Provision
The Widow of Zarephath: Trust in God’s Promise
In 1 Kings 17:8-16, the widow of Zarephath faced a dire situation. She had only enough flour and oil to prepare one final meal for herself and her son during a drought. Yet, when Elijah asked her to use her last provisions to prepare bread for him first, she obeyed in faith. God honored her trust, and her jar of flour and jug of oil never ran out.
In these passages, the bible teaches us that trusting God with what seems insufficient to us allows Him to work miracles and provide beyond what we could imagine.
The Shunammite Woman’s Offering: Selfless Generosity
In 2 Kings 4:8-37, a wealthy Shunammite woman and her husband generously offered their home and resources to support the prophet, Elisha. Though she had no children and did not ask for anything in return, God blessed her with a son. Later, when tragedy struck and her son died, Elisha prayed, and God brought the child back to life.
In these passages, the bible teaches us that when we give generously and selflessly to God’s work, He often blesses us in unexpected and miraculous ways.
The Feeding of the Multitude: God Multiplies What We Offer
In Mark 6:38-44, Jesus fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish provided by the disciples. Before the miracle, Jesus asked them to assess what they had. Though their resources seemed insignificant, He gave thanks, broke the bread, and multiplied it to meet the needs of everyone present—with leftovers to spare.
In these passages, the bible teaches us that when we surrender what little we have to God, He multiplies it abundantly for His purposes and glory.
Practical Steps for Daily Victorious Living
Identify What You Have: Reflect on your resources, time, and talents. Ask yourself, “What has God given me that I can offer to Him?” Remember 1 Kings 17:13-14: “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread loaf from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward, you may make one for yourself and your son.”
Give Generously in Faith: Like the widow, the Shunammite woman, and the disciples, place your trust in God and give what you have, even if it feels small or insignificant. Trust His promise in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you; they will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”
Practice Gratitude and Trust: Offer thanks for what you have, no matter how much or little it seems. Cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust God to provide and multiply as He did in Mark 6:41: “And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves, and He gave them to the disciples to serve them.”
One Final Thought
The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal in faith and witnessed God’s unending provision. The Shunammite woman opened her home and heart to God’s servant and received both blessing and restoration. The disciples trusted Jesus with five loaves and two fish, and thousands were fed. Each story reminds us that God honors faith, generosity, and gratitude, transforming what we offer into blessings for others and ourselves.
Now, God is asking you: “What do you have?” Will you trust Him with everything, no matter how small? Step forward in faith, give generously, and watch as He turns your scarcity into abundance—not just for your needs but for the good of those around you. Trust Him and see His miraculous power at work in your life today.
Experience a New Life in Jesus Christ
If you have not yet experienced the life-changing power of a relationship with Christ, we invite you to open your heart to Him today. Embrace the truth of His resurrection and embark on a journey of transformation, guided by His presence and fueled by His mission of love and redemption.
The Bible teaches us in Romans 10:9-10 that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation."
Do it today and start enjoying a new life in Jesus Christ.
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Scriptures for this Bible Study taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), © 2025 The Lockman Foundation. Used with permission. www.Bible.com
"From Scarcity to Abundance: Trusting God with What You Have" is a Christian Bible Teaching presented by Second Ridge Ministries
02-07-2025 | © 2025 Second Ridge Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
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