Confidence (Day 3) Shunammite Woman of Faith

Pretend you are standing at the edge of a busy highway. You desperately need to get to the other side. What would you do?

Now pretend you are a duck. Would you waddle across as fast as your little webbed feet cloud carry you? Or would you fly?

·         Let’s take a look at the wings of faith of a woman from Shunem. Read 2 Kings 4:8-14, write a description of the woman from Shunem and her life situation. Also describe her. Faith. What does the fact that she did not want to accept any payment from Elisha say about her?

·         Even though the Shunammite woman was well-to-do, the fact that she had no son and her husband was a old men she might spend many years as a widow with no one to care for her. Read 2 Kings 4::15-17 to see how God provided for this woman of faith. Why do you think she at first objected to Elisha’s promise of a son?

·         How has God surprised you lately with His care and blessings? How did you react? What boost did it give your faith?

·         The same God who had blessed her, however, also allowed tragedy to enter her life. Read 2 Kings 4:18-20. Imagine the feelings of this mother. Why do you believe God would allow such a thing to happen?

·         Now Read 2 Kings 4:21-30 and describe the woman’s confident response.

The Shunammite woman had definitely experienced “the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:6). Her son lay dead, but her wings of faith took flight. What was she looking for and hoping for by seeking Elisha? Whose help did she really need?

·         Read the rest of the story in 2 Kings 4:31-37. Did the Shunammite receive what she sought? What phrases in the account clearly reveal that it was God who brought the by back to life?

God’s purpose in allowing the tragedy is revealed as a great test of faith. Even Elisha’s faith was put to the test.  How did the Shunammite woman’s confidence in God and in God’s servant Elisha help her to soar above the situation instead of being crushed by the tragedy?

Several verses of the psalm seem to describe life under God’s wings as a life free from all suffering, harm, and struggle. As Christian people, we have seen over and over that our lives here on earth are not free from pain and trouble. These verses do not promise “the easy life”, but express the absolute confidence that God helps and protects us in times of danger and suffering.