What does this passage teach about seeking God in times of crisis? The Setting That Frames the Lesson 2 Kings 4:23: “’Why go to him today?’ he asked. ‘It is not the New Moon or the Sabbath.’ But she replied, ‘Everything is all right.’” • A mother’s only son has just died (vv. 18-20). • Instead of planning a funeral, she saddles a donkey to reach Elisha, the man of God (vv. 21-22). • Her husband assumes that visits to the prophet are reserved for set holy days—yet she runs to God’s representative immediately. Key Truths About Seeking God in Crisis 1. We run to God beyond the scheduled times • Her husband expects spiritual matters to stay on the calendar; she knows crisis calls for urgent access. • Psalm 50:15: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” • Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” 2. We come personally, not by proxy • She does not send a servant; she goes herself. • Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” • James 4:8a: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” 3. We approach in quiet faith, not frantic panic • “Everything is all right” (literally, “Shalom”): faith speaks wholeness while circumstances shout loss. • Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind, because he trusts in You.” • Philippians 4:6-7: prayer plus thanksgiving guards the heart with God’s peace. Practicing These Truths Today • Move first toward the Lord in any emergency—prayer before plans. • Seek Him on ordinary days too; intimacy in routine fuels confidence in crisis (Psalm 91:1-2). • Speak faith-filled words that align with God’s promises (2 Corinthians 4:13). A Broader Biblical Pattern • King Jehoshaphat faced invasion: “Jehoshaphat resolved to seek the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:3). • Hannah’s barrenness drove her to the tabernacle, pouring out her soul to God (1 Samuel 1:10-11). • Paul and Silas, beaten and chained, prayed and sang hymns at midnight (Acts 16:25). Across Scripture, crises become doorways to deeper encounter when God is sought first and wholeheartedly. Takeaway Snapshot Crisis moments are invitations to immediate, personal, faith-filled pursuit of God. Like the Shunammite, refuse to wait for a “religious” time slot; run straight to Him, trust His word, and watch Him turn shalom from a faith confession into lived reality. |
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