From Desperation to Inspiration

“Will I always be broke?” Many of us ask this question, and because we know our- selves all too well, resign to the mindset: “It is what it is—I have too little money, and too many bills. I buy too much on credit, because I keep pulling out that credit card. I’m stuck in this vicious cycle. I’m in a mountain of debt and I cannot see my way out. So yes, I will probably always be broke.” But the truth is you and I do not have to live this way. There is a way out of the downward debt spiral. First, we must be willing to ask for help; second, to be obedient; and third, ready to shut the door on destructive behavior.
In the Old Testament, there is a widow facing a mountain of debt. In fact, this wom- an owes so much money that her creditor comes knocking at the door, threatening to take her two sons as slaves in order to pay off the amount. What is she to do? Her late husband had been studying in one of schools of prophets (sort of like semi- nary in Old Testament times), and the leader (mentor, teacher) of this group of prophets quickly comes to mind. The woman thinks, “This man knew my late hus- band. He knows my husband was a true servant and feared the Lord.” And so, in desperation, she asks the prophet Elisha for help.