This devotional is based on the Old Testament story about the prophet Elisha and the Shunammite woman. Written by one of our staff members at Compassion Ghana, it will inspire you to muster up faith when faced with tragedy!
The Shunammite Woman in the Bible: Her Story
Take a moment to read the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-37.
Scripture says that this woman from Shunem was a wealthy woman who, seeing that Elisha was a holy man of God, blessed the prophet with meals and a place to stay.
How did God reward the Shunammite woman for her act of compassion? God gave this childless woman a miracle: a son of her own.
Unfortunately, one day, the Shunammite’s son died. She carried him upstairs, laid him on the bed of Elisha, shut the door and left.
Amazingly, she did not cry or despair, as you would expect of a woman who has lost her only son. When she was questioned by her husband and Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, her response was,
“It is well! Everything is fine! It is all right!”
The woman did not call for help from the people around her but went to Mount Carmel to talk to Elisha and Gehazi. God then sent Elisha to raise her son from the dead. After praying for the boy, the child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
Why Did the Shunammite Woman Say, “It Is Well”?
The Shunammite woman had amazing faith, despite her only son being dead. Instead of panicking, she went to Elisha, as she knew God could use him to bring her son back to life. While things weren’t well in that moment, she had faith that they would be with God.
We can have this same faith too! The Bible says that if we have faith like a mustard seed, we can tell the mountains to move, and they will (Matthew 17:20). The Shunammite’s son was restored to life because of her faith.
The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21,
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (NLT)
In our day-to-day lives, we’re bound to encounter challenges and pain. No matter what you may be going through today, learn to confess that it is well.
Always return to our source of joy, laughter, love, strength, hope and inspiration: Jesus Christ. Worship and pray to him as you journey through life, just as the Shunammite woman did by going back to Elisha.
Always remember Proverbs 18:21 and the great woman of Shunem described in 2 Kings 4. Turning to God as our help and trusting that he will make all things well can sustain us in the hardest of times.
A Prayer Inspired by the Shunammite Woman
Lord, help me to come to you when I encounter challenges. Show me your faithfulness and unfailing love as I serve you daily. I trust in you! Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Florence Amponsah is a Partnership Facilitator in Ghana. Through her work, Florence collaborates with the local church to implement effective Christ-centered child development centers. Learn more about our work in Ghana!
This article was originally published June 4, 2011.
11 Comments |Add a comment
Amen. It is well with my soul.
Amen. Amen… It is well indeed.
It is well indeed
the shunammite women encouraged me, to have faith and confess positive in the midst of any circumstance you are facing, Amen
Indeed it’s well with my soul. Isaiah 3:10
This scripture really gives me hope when I m down. It tells me that it is not over till God says it over. It also taught me to speak positively when I m facing problems
Wow, i’ve learned to confess that “it is well’ even in the midst of challenges.
I really needed this word ,it is well,everything is all right!!
Thanks for the word. Food to my soul.
I got so much relation out of that It bless my soul
I got so much relation out of that It bless my soul