Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, June 8, 2025

Overflowing, Part 2: A Little is A Lot

ReCreate Church | Pastor Michael Shockley

EPISODE SUMMARY

Ever feel like you don't have enough? Not enough money, time, energy, or resources to make it through? In this encouraging message, Pastor Michael explores the powerful story of a desperate widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 who discovered that God can do incredible things with whatever little we have. Through humor, practical wisdom, and biblical truth, you'll learn how to shift your focus from scarcity to abundance and trust God with what's already in your hands.

Core Message: A little is a lot when you trust it to God.

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KEY TOPICS COVERED

The Power of "Struggle Meals"

- Why comfort foods often start as necessity meals

- Finding joy and contentment in simple things

- Shifting perspective from what we lack to what we have

The Widow's Desperate Situation (2 Kings 4:1-7)

- A preacher's widow facing financial ruin

- The threat of losing her children to slavery

- Her cry for help to the prophet Elisha

The Life-Changing Question

- "What do you have in the house?"

- Why God focuses on our assets, not our deficits

- Moving from scarcity thinking to abundance preparation

Acting in Faith Before Seeing Results

- Gathering empty vessels while having almost nothing

- The George Mueller orphanage story

- Setting the table before God fills it

The Miracle of Multiplication

- How a small jar of oil filled countless vessels

- God's provision matching our faith preparation

- From survival to total transformation

What Do You Have in Your House?

- Resources (even a few dollars)

- Opportunities (even small open doors)

- Relationships (even a small circle)

- Skills and abilities

- Influence and energy

- Time and health

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MEMORABLE QUOTES

• "The world changes when you stop focusing on what you don't have and see what you can do with what you DO have."
• "Why do we wait until we see the miracle before we prepare for it? We say, 'God, send the rain,' but we don't carry an umbrella."
• "God's provision often comes AFTER we step out in faith, not before."
• "God multiplied her provision in proportion to her faith to prepare.

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

- Primary Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7

- Historical Context: The ministry of prophets Elijah and Elisha in divided Israel

- Key Characters: The prophet's widow, Elisha, and the "sons of the prophets"

 

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PRACTICAL APPLICATION

If You're Struggling Financially:

- Start planning a budget and stewarding what you have

- Trust God with even small amounts

If You Need Opportunities:

- Develop skills now for future openings

- Prepare before the door opens

If You Want Better Relationships:

- Invest in growth and connection today

- Take steps toward healing and improvement

If You're Praying for Miracles:

- Set out your "vessels" in faith

- Make room for God's abundance

- Trust Him with whatever you currently have

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THE ULTIMATE INVITATION

Above all, offer Jesus the most important vessel - your heart. Even if it feels empty or broken, Jesus specializes in filling us with His forgiveness, love, presence, and power.

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CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH

- Website: recreatechurch.org

- Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app

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Remember: A little is a lot when you trust it to God. What vessels are you preparing today?