How strong is your faith?

Dear Kids,

2 Kings 4:26. “… ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘It is well.'”


You may be wondering why I chose this verse.  It seems like a normal conversation that we might have with friends or acquaintances on a regular basis, but there is something much more here. Listen to the story behind it.

A prominent woman from the land of Shunem believed in God and was very kind to His prophet, Elisha.  Whenever he came through her town she would offer him a place to stay.  Over time she decided to build him his own room so that he would have a comfortable place to relax when he was in the area.  Elisha wanted to repay her for her kindness and, realizing that she did not have any children, he asked God to give her a son.  God granted his request and a number of months later she gave birth to a baby boy whom she loved and cherished dearly.

One day while he was working in the fields with his father, the young man developed a raging headache.  The servants brought him in to his mother where he lay suffering with his head in her lap. Tragically, at noon he died.  This woman must have been experiencing terrible grief, but in the midst of her pain she lay the youth on his bed, saddled her donkey, and went to find the man of God. As she was leaving, her husband asked her where she was going.  Her only reply was, “It will be well.”

Upon reaching Mount Carmel, the man of God saw her from a distance and sent his servant, Gehazi, to greet her.  When the servant approached, he asked today’s questions:  “Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?”  I am astounded by her response.  She had just lost her only child and yet her answer to these inquiries were, “It is well.”  Her son was dead!  How could all be well?

This woman had great faith.  God had given her this son and she believed that even in the midst of a devastating situation everything would be alright. God saw her faith and rewarded it.  Elisha went home with her. After he prayed, he stretched his body out over the boy.  God restored the young man to life again and the woman went out with joy.

Even when circumstances do not turn out how we would hope, we must always remember that faith pleases God and He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

How strong is your faith?  In a difficult situation can you say, “It is well”?

Love,

Mama