“God is not a man that He should lie. He is not a human, that He should change His mind…” Numbers 23:19 (NLT)
A few miles north of Jezreel once lived a wealthy woman. At that time, hospitality played an important role in the lives of the people of the Middle East.
This Shunammite woman invited the Prophet of God to lodge with them (she and her husband) whenever he passed that way. Elisha, the prophet, asked his servant Gezhai to find out the woman’s needs (2 Kings 4:8-47).
Having no children, the Prophet promised her that one year later, she would have a baby (a son). With her fulfilled desire came joy.
However, a few years later, the boy died, leaving her devastated. What was she supposed to do? Immediately, she sought the man of God, declaring to everyone she met along the way that ‘everything is fine’ despite the apparent death of her son.
The Shunamite woman trusted God for a miracle despite her current situation. Her hope in God fuelled her. She was courageous to seek her own miracle rather than collapse under the weight of grief.
The Shunammite woman knew there was hope even in the most devastating of circumstances. She had been promised a son when she was barren, and now she tenaciously held on to that promise even though her little son lay dead on Elisha’s couch.
The God Who had given her the promise wasn’t gone. She knew He wouldn’t forsake her.
Even when your world is crashing in on you, can you whisper a word of gratitude – like, “It’s all right?”
Remember, however, that even in the most agonising of circumstances, even when you feel abandoned, even when tragedy strikes – God is there. Trust His Word and gain assurance from the account of the Shunammite woman who, in the midst of appalling circumstances, could say, “It’s all right. Everything is fine.”
Friends, God never overlooks even a small act of kindness performed out of love for Him.
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 10:23
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 131; 1 Peter 1; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Ezekiel 41; Ezekiel 42
