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.”
2 Kings 4:2
Hello Friends,
This is James W. Goll with God Encounters Ministries bringing you this month’s word of exhortation: Keys to Unlocking Supernatural Encounters.
In today’s message, I want to take a look at a familiar passage from 2 Kings 4:1-7, where a widow of one of the prophets came to Elisha in distress—her husband had died, she was in debt, and the creditor planned to take her two sons as slaves.
In the story, Elisha told her to borrow as many empty containers as she could, shut the door with her sons, and pour out the small jar of oil she had. Miraculously, the oil kept flowing until every vessel was full, and then stopped. She sold the oil, paid her debt, and had enough left to live on—God’s provision was more than enough.
As we take a look at her story, I want to show you how it holds strategic keys for us to step into the supernatural anointing in our own lives.
9 Keys to Unlocking Supernatural Encounters
Invest in the Next Generation
In the story, the creditor wanted the woman’s sons; today, the enemy wants to cut off the destiny of both the young and the old. We must intentionally pour into others so that spiritual inheritance is passed forward, not lost. The woman poured her oil into vessels. We can pour wisdom, encouragement, and anointing into the lives of those coming after us.
Bring What You Have
Elisha didn’t ask the woman what she lacked—he asked what she already had. The miracle was in her house all along. Too many wait for the next big revelation before stepping out. God often works with what’s already in our hand. Don’t despise small beginnings; offer your “jar of oil” to Him now, and watch Him multiply it.
Find Empty Vessels (Not a Few)
The woman was told to borrow as many empty containers as possible. Spiritually, empty vessels are people who are hungry and teachable—not full of themselves or resistant to growth. Look for those who know they are in need of God. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). God fills the empty.
Shut the Door
Some miracles are meant to happen behind closed doors. We live in a world that overshares, but the deepest work of God often happens in private. Cultivate a hidden life with Him—one that doesn’t need constant public validation. Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly (Matt. 6:6).
Pour Out the Oil
Even if you feel dry, there is oil within you if you belong to Jesus. The act of pouring often releases more oil. As you minister to others, God replenishes you. This is His multiplication principle: when you give away what you have, He entrusts you with more.
Set Apart the Full Vessels
Once a vessel is full, it’s meant to be released into service. Parents raise children to leave the nest; spiritual leaders do the same with those they disciple. Sending people out can feel hard, but it’s part of Kingdom multiplication.
Obey—Even in the Small Things
The woman’s sons might have looked foolish running around borrowing jars, but obedience unlocked their miracle. Many of God’s greatest works start with small, almost insignificant steps of faith. Don’t underestimate the power of little obediences strung together over time.
Recognize When the Flow Stops
The oil stopped when the last vessel was full. Sometimes God lifts an anointing or assignment simply because it’s complete—not because anything went wrong. When the season changes, don’t cling to what was. Ask Him what’s next.
Don’t Keep the Anointing in the House
The miracle oil didn’t just bless the widow’s home—it became provision for her future. The anointing is meant to flow beyond the four walls of your home or church. Adopt a Kingdom mindset: take what God has entrusted to you and use it to equip, bless, and impact others.
A Prayer for Fresh Oil
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the anointing You’ve entrusted to us. Teach us to invest in the next generation, to offer what we have, and to seek out the empty vessels You’ve prepared. Help us to obey quickly, to pour out generously, and to release freely. May we carry Your presence beyond the walls, so that the world may know the goodness of our God. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s walk in these keys together—pouring out, multiplying, and advancing the Kingdom of God.
With gratitude and joy,
James W. Goll
God Encounters Ministries
