It Is Well: Trusting God in the Midst of Trial
2 Kings 4:26
Introduction
Life is full of unexpected challenges—times when everything seems to fall apart. In 2 Kings 4, we find the story of the Shunammite woman, a woman of faith who experienced both great blessing and deep sorrow. Yet, in verse 26, when asked about her well-being after her son had died, she responded with three powerful words: “It is well.”
How could she say this in the face of heartbreak? What can we learn from her response about trusting God in the midst of trials?
I. A Woman of Faith and Generosity (2 Kings 4:8-17)
- Her Generous Heart:
- The Shunammite woman welcomed the prophet Elisha into her home, preparing a special room for him.
- She sought nothing in return, yet God, through Elisha, promised her a son.
- God’s Unexpected Blessings:
- Though she had long accepted that she would never have children, God fulfilled what seemed impossible.
- This reminds us that God sees our faithfulness and rewards us in His time.
- Application:
- Have you ever received an unexpected blessing from God?
- The Shunammite woman teaches us to serve God faithfully, without expecting rewards, and trust Him for His perfect plans.
II. A Painful Trial: The Death of Her Son (2 Kings 4:18-20)
- A Sudden Tragedy:
- One day, her child, the miracle she never asked for, suddenly became ill and died in her arms.
- This was a moment of deep pain—why would God give her a son, only to take him away?
- Her Response:
- Instead of giving in to grief, she immediately sought Elisha, the man of God.
- She laid her son on Elisha’s bed and went straight to Mount Carmel to find him.
- Application:
- When trials come, do we run to God or away from Him?
- Instead of sinking into despair, the Shunammite woman teaches us to turn to God and seek His help.
III. Declaring Faith in the Storm: “It Is Well” (2 Kings 4:22-26)
- Elisha’s Servant Asks About Her Situation:
- As she approached Elisha, his servant Gehazi asked, “Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?”
- Even though her son was dead, she answered, “It is well.”
- Faith in God’s Power:
- She did not deny her pain, but she also did not allow grief to dictate her faith.
- Her declaration was not based on what she saw but on what she believed—that God was still in control.
- Application:
- How do we respond when life falls apart?
- Saying “It is well” does not mean we ignore reality but that we choose faith over fear and trust over despair.
IV. A Miraculous Restoration (2 Kings 4:32-37)
- Elisha’s Prayer and Persistence:
- When Elisha arrived, he prayed and stretched himself over the boy twice before the child came back to life.
- This shows that sometimes, miracles require persistent faith and prayer.
- Her Faith Was Rewarded:
- Because she sought God rather than giving in to sorrow, her son was restored to her.
- God is faithful to those who trust Him, even when the situation looks hopeless.
- Application:
- When facing trials, hold on to faith, even when answers don’t come immediately.
- God is always working behind the scenes, and in His time, He brings restoration.
Conclusion: A Faith That Declares “It Is Well”
The Shunammite woman teaches us three key lessons:
- Serve God faithfully, and trust Him with the blessings He gives.
- When trials come, seek God instead of sinking into despair.
- Declare faith in the midst of pain—trust that God is still in control.
What situation in your life today requires an “It is well” kind of faith?
- Is there a struggle you’re facing that seems impossible?
- Will you trust God even before you see the miracle?
Like the Shunammite woman, may we hold onto faith that declares God’s goodness, even in the storm.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the Shunammite woman. Teach us to trust You even when life doesn’t make sense. Help us to declare “It is well” not because of what we see, but because of who You are. Strengthen our faith, restore what is broken, and remind us that You are always in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.