It Is Well

Elisha is traveling through a little town called Shunem. This was his job, he was a “traveling preacher,” going from town-to-town, proclaiming God’s will. We have them today (guest speakers).

This women, for whatever the reason, was willing to “keep the preacher.”

It’s a curious thing to me, the text doesn’t give us her name, but takes time to identify the specific items of furniture in the room.

This is the first reason for her greatness - it was her service!

What she did didn’t make front page of the Shunem Gazette. Frankly, I doubt if anyone in town even knew about it, or took notice. Who noticed this women’s spirit of service? God did!

I think we often struggle today with service because we think it has to be some great act. If it’s not some great, newsworthy deed (saving a life or something) it’s not worth the effort. What kind of service is God looking for out of us? Matt. 25:22-40 (turn & read). If a neighbor is sick and needs a hot meal, you don’t have to tell anyone, just take them one. If we know a poor family and the kids need shoes, food, fees or a rain coat, just get one. If we know someone going through tough times, be there for them.

Think about this text, here we have Elisha, he’s been staying in this little room prepared by this “uncommon” family, he’s appreciative, and says to her, “look, I’ve got a little pull, I know the king, I know the army commander, I owe you a favor, just tell me, give me the word and I’ll get it done for you.” By the way what would you do? Some might ask for a better job, perhaps a government job, some might want to be on the kings payroll, or the kings staff, some might try to get some sort of government assistance, a medical card. Something.

Look again at her response (vs. 13). I want you to understand it, it’s easy to miss the point - she’s saying, I appreciate your offer, but I’ve got a home, my basic needs are provided for, I don’t really need anything.

Was she rich? Was she living “high on the hog?” Could she have bettered herself? Why didn’t she? She was CONTENTED!

We live in a society today where everyone wants more, more, more. A bigger house, a higher paying job, a better, newer car, and the list goes on and on!

The Shunammite women’s response - she was looking at what she had rather than griping about what she didn’t have!

When asked by her husband why she was going to see the prophet – she states, “it is well”.

When asked by Gehazi - she says, “it is well.” Was everything alright? By no means!

She knew the boy was dead, a son she didn’t ask for, a son she had grown to love - her only son, who died in her arms.

Were things well at the Shunammite household? Not at all! The lad was dead, she knew it. She knew she was about to ask the prophet to do something unprecedented, she didn’t know whether or not he would do it (vs. 27-28).

But she knew everything would be alright! That’s FAITH!

Let me tell you the number one reason this un-named women was great in the eyes of God. It was her unshakable faith! What do men often put their faith in today? Their wealth? Family traditions? Health? Government?

Elisha was a man of God. To this women, he was her direct link to God No matter what the end result, no matter what the outcome, live or die, she wasn’t going to leave God! Have you ever known someone who, when faced with tragedy, turned to God, prayed and prayed, but when things didn’t work out the way they wanted them to, what do they do? Blame God, turn their backs on Him!

Finish reading the story

I love the ending of this story - it’s a classic!

Of course the outcome is not the focal point for us today.

If you want your life to count for something, you don’t have to do something great and have a street or building named after you. You don’t have to invent some great device the world couldn’t do with out. You don’t have to make tons of money, live in the biggest house, drive the fanciest car.

What do you do to be great as a child of God?

Perform little acts of service that the world never notices. You go through life with a spirit of contentment. You have a faith such that no matter what happens to you and your family, you can say “It is well!” No matter the outcome, you never leave God!