How can we discern God's guidance in our lives, like the Shunammite woman? The Scene in Shunem: A Timely Warning “Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, ‘Get up and go with your household and live as a foreigner wherever you can, for the LORD has decreed a famine, and it will last seven years.’ ” (2 Kings 8:1) Three Clues for Recognizing the Voice of the Lord • Consistency with Scripture • The inner witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:14; John 10:27) • Confirmation through godly counsel or circumstance (Proverbs 11:14) Steps the Shunammite Took—Steps We Can Take 1. Receive the Word readily – She trusted Elisha’s message because she already knew his ministry was marked by truth (cf. 2 Kings 4). 2. Act promptly – No delay, no debating—she simply rose and went. Philippians 2:13 reminds us God works in us “to will and to act.” 3. Endure the inconvenience – Seven years away from home meant disruption, yet she preferred obedience over comfort (Hebrews 11:8–9). 4. Return at the appointed time – Obedience is often a season, not just a moment. She came back when the famine ended and saw God restore her property (2 Kings 8:5–6). Guardrails That Keep Us from Going Off Course • Stay saturated in Scripture—“Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). • Pray for wisdom—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). • Refuse voices that contradict the written Word—even an angelic message that conflicts must be rejected (Galatians 1:8). When Guidance Disrupts Our Comfort • God’s leading often moves us before we see the need—famine hadn’t started yet. • Obedience sometimes looks like loss, but the Lord keeps score (Luke 18:29-30). • Comfort is never a reliable compass; truth is. Blessings on the Other Side of Obedience • Preservation from famine • Restoration of land and income (2 Kings 8:6) • Deepened testimony of God’s faithfulness that blesses generations Putting It into Practice This Week • Set aside ten focused minutes daily to read and listen—start with Psalm 25. • Write down any promptings, then weigh them by Scripture and wise counsel. • Take one concrete action God lays on your heart, even if small. • Watch for His confirming fingerprints as you walk forward in faith. |
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