The prophet Elisha travelled from town to town relating the message of God to others and performing miracles. During a visit to Shunem, a wealthy woman and her husband invited him over to eat. After that, Elisha would stop by anytime he was in town, and eventually they made Elisha his own room so that he could stay comfortably any time he came by. Elisha was greatly appreciative of the kindness this woman and her husband had shown them, so he wanted to return the favor. He asked the woman if there was anything he could do for her, but she wanted nothing. However, Elisha's servant had noticed that this woman had no children, and that her husband was older, therefore Elisha informed the woman that she would become pregnant, and that is precisely what happened. 2 Kings 4:16 shows how this was exactly what her heart had been desiring, even if she had not verbalized it. Some years later, however, her son died while in her arms. Her reaction to his death is what I want to accentuate.

Unexpected circumstances can cause extreme reactions; however, she didn't panic, but instead started living out her faith. She laid her son on Elisha's bed, told her husband that she was going to see Elisha and would be right back, and when he asked why now, her response was "It will be all right" (v.23). Then again, as she approached Elisha, he saw her from afar and sent his servant to ask if all is well with her family, and again she replied, "everything is fine (v.26)." She fell down at Elisha's feet and told him what happened, and refused to leave until he went back with her. So, they all went back, and ultimately he did raise her son from the dead. I encourage you to read 2 Kings 4 to see the entire story, but this woman was a true example of faith. From what we can see, she never allowed doubt to enter her mind. She was convinced that everything would be alright.

Now, miracles may look a lot different for us today then they did in Bible days, but God is still the same and will do amazing things when we have complete faith and trust in Him. He is working in all situations and is faithful to complete His perfect plan in us, even through the most difficult circumstances. Can we have the same unshakeable faith that the Shunammite woman had and trust God?

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Please give me unshakeable faith to trust you in all circumstances, knowing that you are in control. I know I can rest in you and that everything will be alright. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.

1.    Hebrews 11:1 (ESV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.