The memory verse for this week is Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV
There is an Old Testament story about a woman, known as the Shunamite. Her story is a demonstration of how believers should live their lives.
We should daily, exhibit such attributes as-
- joy
- gentleness
- hospitality
- fearlessness
- a rich prayer life
- thanksgiving for all God has done
- and faith
When we live as this woman of old once lived we will have the peace of God that mystifies. Our hearts and minds will be filled with the Spirit of God. We will walk in a loving, personal relationship with Him.
Let’s take a look at this miraculous story.
Elisha, the prophet of God, frequently passed through the town of Shunem. One day, a lady noticed that he was a frequent traveler there. So, she and her husband invited him into her home for a meal. They realized that Elisha was a man of God.
After a while the lady asked her husband if they could fix up a personal room for Elisha so that he could have a place to rest when he traveled. Elisha was so grateful for her hospitality that he asked her if there was anything that she needed.
At first, she refused any help. But after Elisha persisted, the woman admitted that she had a concern. She told Elisha that her husband was old and that she did not have a son. She feared that one day she would be completely alone.
Then he said, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.”
And she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!”
But the woman conceived and bore a son when the appointed time had come, of which Elisha had told her.
2 Kings 4:16 & 17
Her little boy grew and her second blessing from God would soon follow.
One day the Shunamite woman’s son became ill. He would eventually die of his illness. But the Shunamite knew exactly what to do. She laid her lifeless son on the bed of Elijah, and she told her husband to get one of his workers to take her to Elisha. At first, her husband questioned her.
And she said, “It is well.”
2 Kings 4:23
Elisha spotted her when she was still some distance away.
…“Look, the Shunammite woman! Please run now to meet her, and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’”
2 Kings 4:25 & 26
With absolute faith in God, this lovely soul repeated her words with conviction.
… “It is well.”
2 Kings 4:26
Elisha realized that the woman was in distress. He asked her what grieved her and she explained. She reminded him of his promise that God would give her a son, but that very gift from God had died.
Elisha told her to go with his servant, Gehazi. The woman was told to lay Elisha’s staff on the child’s body. Still, there was no sign of life.
“The child has not awakened.”
2 Kings 4:31
This woman fully trusted God. He had given her a vibrant heart reflecting His attributes.
So, let’s see how the story ends.
And he called Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite woman.” So, he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” So, she went in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the ground; then she picked up her son and went out.
2 Kings 4:36 & 37
I’m not sure if God was testing her faith or if this tragedy was just part of living in this broken world. What I do know is that if it was a test, it was meant to strengthen her faith.
God already knew the outcome, and when the story concludes she would be convinced that her faith in God was strong and true.
Can you see how this story relates to the memory verse for this week?
How do you react when life gets stormy and seems to be out of control? Do you still have faith in God?
Many times, believers become so distraught over the perplexities of life. Sometimes the tough days drive us away from reading the Bible and praying. Some believers even pull away from the Church.
But those who are devoted to God know He walks with us through every sorrow and tragedy. Only God can restore our dry, empty souls.
When we see His wonderful provision, we are often surprised at His goodness. Still, we know He never leaves us.
Our struggle is believing that God cares about us. Why would He love us despite knowing everything about us?
There is still one more story about the Shunamite woman. God’s loving provision for her continues. I hope you will read the rest of her story. (2 Kings 8:1-6)
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 