Life doesn't always go according to plan. Even when we receive promises from God, challenges and setbacks can make us question everything. But there's a powerful lesson we can learn from the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 about maintaining faith when circumstances seem hopeless.
What Does It Mean to Say "It Is Well" When Things Aren't Well?
The Shunammite woman had received a miraculous son in her old age. But when that child suddenly died, she demonstrated remarkable faith by declaring "it is well" even in her deepest pain. This wasn't denial, but rather a deep trust that God could turn her situation around.
5 Keys to Maintaining Faith in Difficult Times
- Don't Quit When Promises Seem Dead
When facing setbacks, our natural tendency is to give up. But the Shunammite woman immediately sought out the prophet who had prayed for her to have a son. She refused to accept defeat as final.
- Tell Your Problems to People Who Can Help
She was selective about who she shared her crisis with. Rather than spreading her pain to those who couldn't help, she went directly to the prophet who could intervene with God's power.
- Watch Your Words
Even in crisis, she consistently declared "it is well." Our words have power - we must speak life and faith rather than death and defeat over our situations.
- Remember the Promise is Bigger Than the Problem
God's promises and power are greater than any obstacle we face. The Shunammite woman held onto her faith that God could resurrect what appeared dead.
- Be Ready to Pick Up Your Blessing
When God moves, we must be positioned to receive. The woman's faith positioned her to see her son restored to life.
This week, identify areas where you've stopped rather than being truly stuck. What patterns need to change? What promises from God have you given up on?
Make a commitment to:
- Believe God has good things for you and declare "it is well" over your challenging situations
- Return to spiritual disciplines you've neglected
- Share your struggles with those who can actually help
- Watch your words and speak life
- Position yourself to receive God's promises
Remember: You're not stuck, you've just stopped. It's time to pick up your blessing and move forward in faith.
