How does the Shunammite's approach in 2 Kings 4:28 inspire trust in God's promises? The Setting • Elisha had promised the barren Shunammite woman a son (2 Kings 4:16). • “And the woman conceived and bore a son at that season the next year, as Elisha had told her.” (2 Kings 4:17) • Some years later the child suddenly died (4:18-20). • She laid the boy on Elisha’s bed, saddled a donkey, and traveled to the prophet at Mount Carmel without disclosing the tragedy to anyone (4:21-26). Her Words to Elisha “Then she said, ‘Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’ ” (2 Kings 4:28) What Her Approach Reveals about Trust • Anchored in Promise – She reminds Elisha of the original promise. By doing so, she anchors the entire crisis in God’s spoken word, refusing to treat the child’s birth—or death—as random. • Honest, Yet Hope-Filled – Her words sound like complaint, yet they flow from confidence that the Lord neither lies nor misleads (cf. Numbers 23:19). She would not confront Elisha if she believed the story was finished. • Refusal to Settle for Partial Fulfillment – God promised a son, not a memory. She holds out for the full intention of the promise—life, not just birth. • Quiet Determination – She repeatedly says, “Everything is all right” (4:23, 26), refusing consolation until the prophet engages. Trust does not panic; it perseveres until God responds. • Bold Access – Like Hebrews 4:16 urges believers to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” she approaches God’s representative with confidence—an Old-Testament picture of New-Testament privilege. How Her Example Inspires Us Today • Remember God’s Words – Keep specific promises in view. “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) • Speak Honestly in Prayer – God invites forthright dialogue (Psalm 62:8). Trust does not mask pain; it brings pain into His presence. • Expect Complete Redemption – The Lord finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). If circumstances contradict His promise, press in rather than give up. • Act on Faith – The Shunammite traveled, planned, and positioned herself for a miracle. True trust behaves as though God will act. • Rest in God’s Character – “The LORD is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works.” (Psalm 145:13b). His integrity underwrites every promise. Supporting Scriptures • 2 Corinthians 1:20 – “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” • Romans 4:20-21 – Abraham “was fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.” • Isaiah 55:11 – God’s word “will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.” Takeaway The Shunammite’s approach transforms grief into a canvas for God’s faithfulness. By anchoring her plea in the prophet’s promise, she models how believers today can cling tenaciously to God’s written promises, speak honestly, act boldly, and expect the Lord to bring His word to full, living fulfillment. |
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