The Situation Looks Grim But Speak Well Anyway...

I was reading the story of the Shunammite woman in the book of 2 kings and I was immediately captivated by this woman’s demeanor, her attitude, her disposition on how she was able to handle an amazingly egregious situation. The way she was able to hold her composure in what looked like circumstances that most would consider to be a point of no return, is truly incredible to me.

In the book of 2 Kings, we are dealing with a woman who birthed a child from a prophecy that was given to her, and I want you to keep in mind that this was a well to do woman who was not concerned with having a child, since her husband was old. So, because of this, she had appeared to be content, and to have it together. However, since the prophecy about her baby was delivered through the prophet, she received it.

In the very next season, as the prophecy stood true, she gave birth to a son. She raised the boy up until one day he died in her arms. When the death occurred, the mother didn’t say a word, she just carried the boy upstairs to the prophet’s room, laid him on the bed and proceeded to call her husband. While speaking with her husband, she requested that he send her a ride to visit the prophet. The boy’s father began to question her as to why she needs to go. She didn’t have proper answers for his questions, so she gave an unfathomable response, “it is well”.

I don’t know, as a mother, how she was able to do this. Questions arise on the inside of me, such as: was she out of her mind, was she in shock, was it supernatural or was she simply standing on the word of God. Her husband finally sent her a ride and she went quickly to see the prophet. While on her way, the first person she encountered was the servant of the prophet and he began to question her about her well-being and she said to him, “It is well”. After that unthinkable response, she kept right on past him and went directly to the prophet and during their encounter, she asked him, “Did I ask you for a son”. Upon hearing this, the prophet immediately knew something was wrong, so he sent his servant ahead of him to assess the situation until got there. Once the prophet arrived, he immediately began resuscitation efforts on this young boy. The prophet did whatever he had to do to bring the child back to life. After a few attempts, the boy was revived and the word that God had given the Shunammite woman through the prophet was yet alive! The child was restored back to life, letting us know with all assurity of what Isaiah 55:11 says… that God’s word shall not return unto Him void but it will prosper.

Let’s remember in difficult situations, to speak life and still believe God for whatever word He has given. Life’s journey can make many of our situations seem like a dying cause, where it feels as if there is no use, pushing you to ask yourself “what is the point”. Please be reassured that in the same way that God kept His word to the Shunammite woman, He will do the same for you, even through adversities.

I pray that this message has blessed your life!

~Jennifer

References: 2 Kings 4:8-37