THE_GOD_WHO_PROVIDES_Part_3_Changed_Mindset.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing God’s Potential in What Seems Insignificant

Scarcity is a Mindset, Not a Measure of Resources

It’s easy to focus on what we lack—time, money, energy, or ability—and let that sense of “not enough” shape our outlook. The widow in 2 Kings 4 felt she had nothing to offer except a small jar of oil, something she almost dismissed as insignificant. Yet, God often begins His work with what we overlook or consider too small to matter. When we fixate on what’s missing, we miss the “except”—the little that God can use to do something extraordinary.

God invites us to bring our “except” to Him, no matter how small or inadequate it seems. He sees potential where we see limitation. The first step toward experiencing God’s provision is to recognize and offer what we do have, trusting that He can multiply it. Instead of letting scarcity thinking drown out hope, choose to see the possibilities in your “little” and place it in God’s hands.

“And Elisha said to her, ‘What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?’ And she said, ‘Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.’” (2 Kings 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one small resource, talent, or opportunity in your life that you’ve overlooked or dismissed as insignificant? How can you offer it to God today and trust Him to use it?

Day 2: Surrendering Opens the Door to God’s Multiplication

Surrender Unlocks Multiplication

Holding tightly to what we have—our time, resources, or abilities—can keep us stuck in a cycle of scarcity. When we cling to what feels insufficient, we limit what God can do through us. The principle of God’s kingdom is that surrender, not accumulation, is the pathway to abundance. When we release what we have, even if it seems small, God is able to multiply it far beyond our expectations.

True abundance begins with open hands and a willing heart. Surrender is not about losing what we have, but about trusting God to do more with it than we ever could on our own. As we let go and offer our “little” to Him, we make room for His provision and blessing to flow in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Is there something you’ve been holding onto tightly—your time, finances, or abilities? What would it look like to surrender it to God today and trust Him to multiply it?

Day 3: Faith Moves Forward—Miracles Happen as We Act

Faith Requires Movement, Not Just Belief

Faith is not just believing that God can provide; it’s stepping out and acting on that belief. The miracle of the oil in 2 Kings 4 happened as the widow poured, not before. God’s provision often comes as we move forward in obedience, even when we don’t see the outcome. Each step of faith creates space for God to work in and through us.

Waiting passively for God to act can keep us stuck, but active faith invites His power into our circumstances. Sometimes the limits we experience are not about God’s ability, but about our willingness to take the next step. As you move in faith, even in small ways, you open the door for God’s provision to flow.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one step of faith or obedience you sense God is asking you to take today, even if it feels small or uncertain? How can you move forward in trust?

Day 4: God’s Abundance Flows from Who He Is

Abundance is Rooted in God’s Character, Not Our Circumstances

Scarcity thinking is fueled by fear—the fear that there isn’t enough, or that we aren’t enough. But God’s provision is not based on our performance or the size of our need; it flows from His unchanging character as the God of abundance. When we shift our mindset from “there’s not enough” to “God is more than enough,” it transforms how we pray, give, and live each day.

God’s resources are never limited, and His love for us is not dependent on what we do or don’t have. As we anchor our hearts in His character, we can live with open hands and generous spirits, confident that He will provide all we need. Abundance is not about having more, but about trusting the One who is always enough.

“For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.” (Psalm 50:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: Where have you allowed fear or a sense of lack to shape your view of God’s provision? How can you remind yourself today that God’s abundance is rooted in His character, not your circumstances?

Day 5: Renewing Your Mind—Living in God’s Reality

Renewing the Mind is an Ongoing Journey

Transformation begins as we allow God to renew our minds and reshape our thinking. Scarcity thinking can take root in subtle ways, shaping our words, attitudes, and actions. Romans 12:2 reminds us that we are changed as our minds are renewed by God’s truth. Identifying areas where we’ve believed the lie of “not enough” is the first step; surrendering those areas and taking steps of obedience is the ongoing journey.

As you align your thoughts and words with God’s promises, you begin to experience the reality of His good, pleasing, and perfect will. This is not a one-time event, but a daily process of choosing to believe what God says over what your circumstances or feelings may tell you. God invites you to declare His truth over your life and to walk in the freedom and abundance He has promised.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your thinking where scarcity or fear has taken root? How can you intentionally renew your mind with God’s truth in this area today?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon:**

In Part 3 of our series, “The God Who Provides,” we explored how a changed mindset is essential to experiencing God’s provision. While we may trust God’s faithfulness and depend on Him daily, many of us still struggle with a scarcity mindset—believing there isn’t enough, or that we aren’t enough. Through the story of the widow in 2 Kings 4, we learned that God’s abundance is not limited by our lack, but is released when we surrender what little we have and act in faith. Scarcity focuses on what’s missing, but God invites us to see the potential in what we do have. As we surrender and step out in obedience, God multiplies and provides beyond our limitations, calling us to renew our minds and live in the reality of His abundance.

**K

Key Takeaways

1. Scarcity is a Mindset, Not a Measure of Resources: The widow’s first response was to focus on what she lacked, not what she had. Our tendency is to let the “nothing” in our lives drown out the “except”—the small things God can use. God often begins His work with what we overlook or dismiss as insignificant. Recognizing and offering our “except” to God is the first step toward experiencing His provision.
2. Surrender Unlocks Multiplication: The principle of abundance in God’s kingdom is that what we surrender, He multiplies. Holding tightly to our time, resources, or abilities keeps them small and stagnant. When we release them in faith—even if they seem insufficient—God is able to do far more than we could imagine. True abundance begins not with accumulation, but with open-handed surrender.
3. Faith Requires Movement, Not Just Belief: The miracle of the oil happened as the widow poured, not before. Faith is not a passive waiting for God to act, but an active participation in His promises. Each step of obedience—however small—creates space for God’s provision to flow. The limits we experience are often not God’s power, but our willingness to act in faith.
4. Abundance is Rooted in God’s Character, Not Our Circumstances: Scarcity thinking is fueled by fear and the belief that God’s resources are limited or that we are unworthy. But God’s provision flows from His nature as the God of abundance, not from our performance or the size of our need. Shifting our mindset from “there’s not enough” to “God is more than enough” transforms our prayers, our generosity, and our daily living.
5. Renewing the Mind is an Ongoing Journey: Romans 12:2 reminds us that transformation comes as our thinking is renewed. Identifying areas where scarcity thinking has taken root is the beginning; surrendering those areas and taking steps of obedience is the process. As we align our thoughts and words with God’s truth—declaring His promises over our lives—we progressively experience the reality of His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Bible Study Guide

**Small Group Bible Study Guide: The God Who Provides, Part 3 – Changed Mindset**

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### Bible Reading

- **2 Kings 4:1–7** (The widow’s oil)
- **John 10:10** (“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”)
- **Romans 12:2** (“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”)

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### Observation Questions

In 2 Kings 4:1–7, what was the widow’s initial response when Elisha asked her what she had in her house?
According to the story, when did the oil begin to multiply—before or during the widow’s action of pouring?
In John 10:10, what does Jesus say is the purpose of His coming?
What does Romans 12:2 say is the result of having a renewed mind?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the widow focused on what she didn’t have instead of what she did have? What does this reveal about her mindset?
How does the act of surrendering what little we have open the door for God’s provision, according to the sermon and the story in 2 Kings 4?
The sermon says that faith is not just believing but moving. How does the widow’s story illustrate the difference between passive belief and active faith?
What does it mean that God’s abundance is rooted in His character, not our circumstances? How might this truth challenge the way someone prays or lives?

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### Application Questions

The widow said, “I have nothing… except a small jar of oil.” Is there an area in your life where you tend to focus on what’s missing instead of what you have? What is your “except” that you might be overlooking?
The sermon teaches that what we surrender, God can multiply. Is there something—time, money, talent, or even a relationship—that you have been holding onto tightly? What would it look like to surrender it to God this week?
The miracle happened as the widow poured out the oil, not before. Is there a step of obedience or faith that you sense God is asking you to take, even if it feels small or risky? What’s holding you back?
Scarcity thinking says, “There’s not enough,” while abundance says, “God is more than enough.” In what area of your life do you most struggle with a scarcity mindset? How could you begin to shift your thinking in that area?
Romans 12:2 talks about renewing our minds. What is one practical way you can start to replace scarcity thoughts with God’s truth this week? (For example, memorizing a verse, changing your self-talk, or sharing with a friend.)
The sermon suggests speaking abundance over your life. What is one phrase or promise from Scripture you could start declaring over your situation instead of negative or fearful words?
Looking back at the story, the widow had to ask her neighbors for jars. Is there a way you need to involve others in your journey of faith or provision? Who could you reach out to for support or partnership this week?

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Sermon Quotes

Many of us do not struggle with God’s ability to provide—we struggle with believing He wants to provide for us. Some of us live with a scarcity mindset: “I don’t have enough.” “I’m not enough.” “There isn’t enough.” “This is all it will ever be.”

Scarcity is the fruit of fear, brokenness, and the enemy’s lies. God is not the author of scarcity. God is the God of abundance.

A scarcity mindset makes the “nothing” louder than the “except.” But God often starts with the except. God never asks you for what you don’t have. He asks for what you do have.

What you keep is all you have. What you surrender, God can multiply. God’s abundance begins where surrender starts.

The miracle didn’t happen before she poured. It happened as she poured. The oil did not multiply in the jar. It multiplied in the pouring. Faith is not passive. Faith acts.

God’s provision is like a river, not a reservoir. Rivers flow where there is movement. Reservoirs stagnate. Faith creates movement. Obedience creates channels for God’s supply.

Whatever you hold tightly stays small. Whatever you give to God becomes seed. When surrendered, they multiply under His hand.

Scarcity says: “There’s not enough.” Abundance says: “God is more than enough.” Scarcity leads to fear. Abundance leads to worship.

When I pour out what I have, God pours in what I need.

God’s provision always flows from His abundance, not your limitations.

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