2 Kings 4:18a-25 – Stay trusting God

Elisha made a prophecy that the prominent lady of Shunem would bear a son the following year and it came to pass. Now in 2 Kings 4:18, we are told that the son had grown. One day, he went out among his father’s reapers and seemed to be seized by a tremendous headache. Nothing was mentioned concerning his condition. But it was said that he ran to his father, probably crutching his head crying, “My head, my head.” Not knowing what to do, the father quickly summoned a servant and had him despatched to the mother, who placed her precious son on her lap. Unfortunately, he eventually died in her lap. Her first thought was Elisha. It’s an indication of how much she trusted the prophet, the man of God.   

Verse 21 said that she brought him up to the room she had created for Elisha and laid him on his bed. Then she went out and shut the door after her. Without telling her husband that their child had died she beelined for Mount Carmel to elicit the help of the prophet. She asked her husband for a servant and a horse to get her to Elisha and back. The husband wanted to know why she was so insistent since there was no special occasion that should warrant the presence of the prophet. She was evasive when questioned by him. All she said was “It will be well.” She then made haste and came to Elisha at Mount Carmel.  

Given the same circumstance, many would panic and run desperately everywhere and anywhere seeking any advice. But not this lady. She was composed and clear-minded. From 2 Kings 5:18-25, we can see that her first thought was to approach the man of God. The outcome of our problem is often determined by who we approach for help in the time of need. In approaching Elisha she was essentially running to God. For he was God’s servant ministering to the people on His behalf. If there is a clear lesson we can draw from this woman, it has to be her right response in her time of desperation. She was certain Elisha could help her and then went straight for him. She even instructed the servant to “Drive and go forward; do not slow down the pace for me unless I tell you.” In her desperation, she remained single-minded. What about us? Are we as calm and composed in our difficult moments? We must stay confident that God alone has the solution, no matter how difficult our situation may seem. We must make it a point to “seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Truly, He alone has the answer and there is no problem too big for Him to solve. Trust Him!