“…Drive and go forward; slack not thy riding…” – 2 Kings 4:24 (KJV)
In 2nd Kings 4:8-37, we read the account of a Shunammite woman whose great faith and hospitality led to blessings. She was blessed by God with a son, but was severely tested because of his death (Verses 18 – 21). She sought help from the prophet Elisha, and God restored her son’s life as she held firmly to His promise (Verses 22 – 37).
This account shows us her faith, perseverance, and deep trust in God. It shows us her strong will to seek help from the right person in troubling times, and despite her grief and loss, she did not hesitate to take action. Sometimes, God allows us to pass through great trials and afflictions (Job 1-2), but as we hold firmly to Him in faith, we can experience His love, grace, and compassion through it all.
In our main Scripture (V 24), we get a glimpse into the Shunammite woman’s deep faith and determination as she faced the grave situation of her son’s death. She did not wave the white flag of despair; she acted promptly and with urgency. She quickly saddled the donkey and instructed her servant not to slow down, showing unwavering faith and relentless pursuit of divine assistance. In her moment of desperation, she sought a solution immediately, knowing time was of the essence, leaving us with a crisis blueprint for approaching God in our most difficult times – with swift faith.
What do we do when we face a crisis in our own lives? Do we rush to God in prayer and action, or do we allow fear and doubt to paralyse us? Friends, faith compels movement! We must be able to step out even if we feel uncertain or afraid. The Shunamite woman did not wait for others to tell her what to do, but took charge.
Note, as we cultivate our relationship with God, our faith will grow, and we will be guided by His wisdom as we go through our times of storm. The Shunammite woman believed that hope was ahead. She believed and moved with urgency! This is an essential attitude we should embrace as believers: be proactive; let our faith lead us to action.
We may be afflicted, but we must go through with faith, knowing that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19, KJV). It was a dark time for the Shunammite woman, the tragic loss of her son, but she had a heart that believed that divine intervention could happen.
Today, I encourage you with the words of Joyce Meyer, “Sometimes, the act of seeking God is a demand for immediate action. When you feel the urgency in your spirit, respond just like the Shunammite woman did.”
Prayer
Lord, today I pray for strength like the Shunammite woman. Help me to walk always with an attitude of prayer and readiness; help me to walk by faith, not by sight. Help me to forge ahead despite my challenging situation in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Read: Psalm 119:60; Hebrews 3:15
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 60:1-4; John 7:45-53; John 8:1-11; Judges 16; Judges 17