How can we apply the mother's response in 2 Kings 4:20 to our trials? Setting the Scene The Shunammite woman had received her son as a miracle through Elisha’s promise. When the boy suddenly died, she faced a crushing trial that could have shattered her faith. Key Verse in Focus “After the servant had picked him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died.” (2 Kings 4:20) The Mother’s Response Step by Step • She laid the crisis in the prophet’s room—“Then she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God. Then she shut the door behind her and went out.” (2 Kings 4:21) • She guarded her words—twice she said, “Everything is all right” (shalom) (2 Kings 4:23, 26). • She sought God’s representative immediately, refusing delay (4:22–24). • She clung to the original promise—“Did I ask my lord for a son? … Do not deceive me!” (4:28). • She persevered until Elisha came and the boy was restored (4:32–37). Lessons for Our Trials Today • Place the problem in God’s presence—entrusting it where His promise rests. • Control the tongue—speak faith-filled truth, not despair (Proverbs 18:21). • Seek the Lord first and with urgency (Psalm 27:8). • Anchor on His specific promises, not changing circumstances (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Persist until His answer arrives, confident that He finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). Practical Ways to Live This Out 1. When trouble hits, physically or mentally “lay it” before Christ—write it down and set it atop an open Bible verse such as 1 Peter 5:7. 2. Replace panicked talk with Scripture—declare, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) 3. Schedule unhurried time with the Lord before pursuing any human solution. 4. Memorize a promise tied to your situation and repeat it throughout the day. 5. Keep seeking until God answers; if the wait is long, reinforce hope with worship (Psalm 42:11). Strengthened by Related Scriptures • “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3) • “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) • “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22) Closing Encouragement Like the Shunammite, respond to every trial by placing it where God’s promise resides, guarding your words, and pursuing Him relentlessly. In that posture of faith, “everything is all right” becomes more than a phrase—it becomes the settled assurance that the Lord will act in His perfect time. |
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