An Almost Empty Jar

INTRO:

PLEASE STAND FOR THE READING OF GOD’S WORD!

The New King James Version Chapter 17

8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.”

12 So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”

13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’ ”

15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.

PRAY!!

Top 10 Hopeless Situations:

10. Elijah And The Widow

This story teaches us that when we trust God, even in our lack, He can provide in ways that we could never have imagined.

Luke 18:27 “But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

9. A Man Named Legion

Mark 5:1–5 “Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.”

Jesus had just 1 request:

Mark 5:19–20 “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.”

8. The Woman Caught In The Act Of Adultery

In John 8:1-11, we encounter a powerful story of a woman caught in the act of adultery, facing a hopeless situation as the Pharisees sought to condemn her. However, Jesus’ compassion and forgiveness shone brightly, offering hope for her future.

The scene unfolds as Jesus is teaching in the temple, and the scribes and Pharisees bring an adulterous woman before Him, seeking to trap Him with the law of Moses. They remind Jesus that the law commands them to stone such women to death.

Jesus, in His infinite compassion and mercy, does not condemn the woman. He offers her forgiveness and a chance to start anew. In this act, Jesus shows us that no matter our past mistakes or the hopeless situations we find ourselves in, there is always hope for redemption.

John 8:10–11 “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

The story of the woman caught in adultery teaches us the transformative power of compassion and forgiveness. It reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, there is always hope for a better future when we encounter Jesus.

“I can do all things through Christ”

James 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

7. Mephibosheth

2 Samuel 9

David, the King of Israel, demonstrated a remarkable act of kindness towards Mephibosheth, the son of his dear friend Jonathan. Mephibosheth was living in exile and was crippled, causing his situation to appear utterly hopeless.

However, David’s compassionate heart led him to restore Mephibosheth to the king’s table, completely transforming his life.

This beautiful story from 2 Samuel 9 reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, there is always hope for restoration. David’s actions portray God’s ability to turn our most desperate situations into places of healing, redemption, and renewed hope.

“So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.”

6. The Paralytic At The Pool Of Bethesda

In John 5:1-15, we encounter a paralyzed man who had been waiting by the pool for 38 years, hoping for healing. Jesus healed him, providing hope and transformation. This story reminds us that even in our most helpless and stagnant moments, Jesus can bring healing and renewal.

5. Paul And Silas In Prison

 (Acts 16:16-40)

Paul and Silas found themselves in prison for preaching the gospel. After being beaten and shackled, they were thrown into the inner cell, a hopeless situation where they had no chance of escape.

Instead of giving in to despair, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God. Around midnight, a violent earthquake shook the prison, the doors flew open, and their chains fell off.

Not only were Paul and Silas freed, but the jailer and his entire family came to faith in Christ. This story shows that even in the darkest places, praising God can lead to freedom and miraculous outcomes.

4. Jairus’ Daughter

The story of Jairus found in Mark chapter 5 tells of a man who was a ruler at the synagogue who’s little daughter lay very close to death and it says he begged Jesus to come heal his daughter

Despite the devastating news, Jesus encourages Jairus to have faith and believe in the power of God. When they arrive at Jairus’ home, Jesus takes the girl’s hand and says, “Talitha koum!” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (Mark 5:41). Miraculously, the girl comes back to life, much to the astonishment of everyone present.

This story demonstrates Jesus’ power over death and his ability to bring hope and restoration to the most heartbreaking situations. It serves as a reminder that even when all seems lost, there is always hope in Christ.

3. The Women With The Issue Of Blood

Mark 5:25–28 “Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

Talk about hopeless:

She had an issue of blood (hemorrhage or discharge)

She was financially ruined

Physical discomfort over a twelve year period.

Her condition deteriorated and she experienced financial ruin.

She also had to deal with social rejection because she was "Levitically Unclean."

The Law in the Old Testament times forbade anyone with recurrent bleeding or discharge to be included in normal contact with others (including worship).

The idea was: disease = death = sin.

Sin could not coexist with holiness and purity, and to mix the two was not permitted.

2. The Disciples After The Crucifixion

Can you even imagine what Jesus’ disciples felt after His Crucifixion?

The crucifixion of Jesus was the ultimate moment of hopelessness. From the perspective of His followers, it seemed like the end. Their Messiah had been killed, and all hope appeared to be lost.

However, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and sin once and for all.

The resurrection is the greatest example of how what seems like the end can be the beginning of something far greater. It offers hope to all believers that even in death, there is the promise of eternal life.

Jesus In Gethsemane

Jesus himself was no stranger to hopelessness. Although He is the Son of God, He still struggled with dark times during His earthly existence. Before his arrest and execution, He prayed fervently to God to let there be another way to save mankind from death. 

His agony was so great, the Gospel of Luke indicates that He sweat blood during this trial.

Luke 22:44 “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

Ultimately however, He knew that God’s plan was perfect and there was no other way. Despite his darkest moments of despair, Jesus never stopped trusting God.

Luke 22:42 “saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.””

Psalm 34:17–19 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

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IN CLOSING:

What is the hopeless situation in your life?

A cycle of fear, loneliness, depression?

An unhappy or troublesome relationship?

A burden of guilt?

Rebellious children, grandchildren?

Shattered dreams?

Bad habits?

Burnout?

PRAY!!