Becoming SALT Devotional - July 8

Salt: An Upstream Solution

Read: 2 Kings 2

Key Verse: 2 Kings 2:21

Inductive Questions:

• What does this miracle teach us about the power of God to bring healing? (Example: In 2 Kings 2, Elisha doesn’t just cleanse the polluted water source with salt—he declares, “This is what the Lord says: I have healed this water.” This shows that healing, whether physical, spiritual, or communal, ultimately comes from God’s intervention. Salt was just the visible instrument. God works through faithful obedience to bring lasting change at the root of brokenness.)
• How can the church be a source of restoration in the community? (By becoming an upstream solution to downstream problems. For example, mentoring at-risk youth before they enter the juvenile system, providing marriage counseling before couples reach a breaking point, or supporting single parents to prevent long-term cycles of poverty. The church can step in early to bring healing, hope, and practical support—acting not only as a responder, but as a restorer.)
• What are some "upstream solutions" you can be a part of today? (Examples: Mentoring a high school student weekly to provide guidance and encouragement; serving in the church food pantry to help families before food insecurity becomes crisis; volunteering with MomCo to support and strengthen young mothers; offering financial coaching to prevent long-term debt cycles. Each action plants hope at the source before brokenness multiplies.)

Prayer: Father, You have called us to be salt in a world that desperately needs healing. Use me to bring Your restoration to places of brokenness.

Reflection: One upstream solution I can offer is ___________ to help with ___________. I humbly pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.