2 Kings 7-8

In Kings 7-8, Elisha continues to share God's word.  The problem is, the news isn't good for Israel.  God's people endure seven years of famine while under siege by the Arameans.  People are starving for all they don't have, and they resort to eating each other.  Four men with leprosy, with nothing to lose, play a major role in discovering Israel's relief.  New kings come and go with no change in morality, just more division.  Israel still lacks faithful leadership, and the consequences are stacking against this currently, not so great, nation.

Do you remember the Shunammite woman who built the room in her home for Elisha?  And later, Elisha blessed her with a son who ended up dying, and Elisha brought him back to life.  That's the Shunammite woman I'm talking about today, because we see a little bit more of her story unfold. 

This Shunammite woman is another illustration of the difference faith makes, even when the world around us is literally falling apart.  

She shows us what it looks like to live by faith and not by sight.  She escapes the famine because she trusts Elisha and God's direction for her life.  And when she returns, God blesses her with the land she had plus interest!

I can't help but notice how the Shunammite woman's faith becomes an impactful and engaging story of God's power, God's love, and God's grace for those who believe. 

5 Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal to the king for her house and land.

Gehazi said, “This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life.” 6 The king asked the woman about it, and she told him.

Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, “Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now.”

2 Kings 7-8

The sequence and timing of life events for this woman and for us are no accident.  They are just one way God provides us with opportunities to be blessed and to be a blessing to others.

How might God be using you and working your life story for His glory?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for the opportunity to be a part of Your kingdom and a reflection of Your glorious light in the world.  Forgive me for the opportunities I miss to share Your story and Your love with others.

I pray You will fill me with the right words and the right ways to connect with others and be a blessing.  I struggle with this sometimes.  Fill me with Your wisdom and strength.

I especially want to pray for ________________ today.

You are my Rock and my Redeemer, Lord. 

In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray,

Amen 

Love in Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.