How does Elisha's miracle encourage us to trust God's timing and methods? The Miracle in Focus “Then Elisha got up, walked back and forth in the house, and once more stretched himself upon the child. And the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.” (2 Kings 4:35) Why God’s Timing Matters • The boy’s resurrection did not come when the mother first cried out, nor immediately when Elisha arrived. Each pause—Elisha sending Gehazi ahead (v. 29), praying alone (v. 33), pacing the room (v. 35)—shows divine timing, not human urgency. • Scripture echoes this rhythm: – John 11:6 – Jesus “stayed where He was two more days” before raising Lazarus. – Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” • Waiting seasons refine faith, reminding us that God governs the clock. Learning from the Unusual Method • Elisha’s repeated stretching over the boy, followed by seven sneezes, seems odd to modern readers. God often works through surprising means: – Exodus 17:6 – Water from a struck rock. – 2 Kings 5:10 – Naaman healed by seven dips in the Jordan. • Unconventional methods guard us from idolizing formulas and keep our focus on the Lord who heals, not on the procedure. Parallel Lessons in Scripture • 1 Kings 17:21-22 – Elijah stretches himself three times over the widow’s son; shows continuity of God’s power across generations. • Mark 8:23-25 – Jesus heals a blind man in stages; divine processes can be progressive yet certain. • Acts 9:40 – Peter kneels and prays before Tabitha is raised; prayer is the constant even when methods vary. Personal Application Today • Trust God’s schedule: delayed answers are not denied answers. • Stay available: Elisha’s pacing shows persistent intercession instead of passive waiting. • Remain open to God’s creativity: He may solve a need through unexpected people, places, or strategies. • Celebrate small signs: the first sneeze signaled life before full restoration; notice early tokens of God’s work. |
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