God Works for Our Freedom and Joy

God Works for Our Freedom and Joy

Author: Colin Smith September 5, 2026 Duration: 2:27

Your servant my husband is dead, and... the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.


2 Kings 4:1

Let’s look at this story from the perspective of the two boys. It’s striking how often they are mentioned, and it is through their eyes that we see these two truths.

1. God works for our freedom
These two boys had quite a story to tell. If one of them could tell us his story, he might say,

I’ll never forget the day that creditor came. His words felt like a death sentence. I was about to become a slave. But then God stepped in! As the oil kept coming from the jar, we witnessed the grace and kindness of God, poured out in our home. When we sold the oil, our debt was paid. Instead of being slaves we were free!

2. God works for our joy
“The man of God… said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest’” (4:7). God did more than pay off the debt. He provided a rich future. If one of her sons was here today, he might say,

I didn’t know this at the time, but when Elisha said, “You and your sons can live on the rest,” he was telling us that we would have enough to start a small business. And we did very well with it. God did more than pay our debt. He provided for our future life.

God works with what He has already given. God works through our faith and obedience. God works for our freedom and joy.


In what area do you need God’s freedom? Where do you need His joy?


Looking for a moment of calm and clarity in your day? Open the Bible UK Daily offers a brief, thoughtful pause with host Colin Smith. Each episode is a concise reflection designed to fit into the busiest schedule, providing a focused look at scripture and its relevance to everyday life. You'll hear insights drawn directly from the Bible, presented without pretense or lengthy commentary. The delivery by Sue McLeish brings a warm and engaging tone to these daily installments, making complex themes accessible and personal. This podcast is for anyone seeking a regular touchpoint for spiritual encouragement, whether you're well-versed in Christian teaching or simply curious. It’s a daily habit that prioritizes depth over duration, aiming to connect ancient wisdom with modern realities. Tune in for a straightforward exploration of faith that fits right into your morning routine, commute, or quiet moment. The consistent, short format makes it easy to return to day after day, building a rhythm of reflection. Listen to this podcast for a reliable source of perspective and peace, grounded in a traditional text but spoken into contemporary life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Open the Bible UK Daily
Podcast Episodes
Remembering in the Bible [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:51
Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.2 Peter 1:12Being reminded of something you already know gets annoying fast. So, when Peter…
The Prophets Were “Carried Along” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:52
No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.2 Peter 1:20-21The best way to…
A Message from God [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:02
No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man.2 Peter 1:20-21Peter wants us to know how the Scripture came to be written. Where did the Old Testame…
What the Apostles Saw [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:00
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.2 Peter 1:16Peter is talking about the second coming of our Lord J…
Is the Bible a Reliable Guide to Knowing Jesus? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:22
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.2 Peter 1:16In Jesus Christ you will find everything you need for…
How to Be an Effective and Fruitful Christian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:52
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Peter 1:8If you pursue virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, g…
A Wake-Up Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:48
Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.2 Peter 1:9If there isn’t a sense in your heart that “This is what I must pursue,” if there’s n…
Four More Things to Add to Your Faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:28
Make every effort to supplement your... self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.2 Peter 1:5, 6-7Here are four more virt…
Add These Three Things to Your Faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:36
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control.2 Peter 1:5–6Peter’s emphasis is on our effort to actively pursue these in the powe…
If You Want to Grow in the Christian Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:50
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.2 Peter 1:3If God has provided everything we need for a godly life, why is it that some Christians never seem to grow? They never seem to h…