Not in the volume of what’s said
Not in the weight of what’s done
Not even in the size of what’s given
But in the withheld, in the quietness
That looks adversity in the eyes
While maintaining the peace within
Is a snapshot of the greatest faith!

To a lot of people, their faith is working when things are working as planned. God is good when good things are happening. When adversity knocks, their faith is left flailing, wondering, questioning if there really is God? Is God truly alive? Is God really good? But those who know their God, know that faith comes in most handy when things are not working as expected. That God is God, alive and good irrespective of what works or doesn’t work for us.

Back to the story of the woman of Shunem (2 Kings 4:8-37.) This woman was simply living out her everyday faith through opportunities she discerned in her surroundings and community. When the Prophet she had blessed with a resting room and warm food whenever he passed through her town asked what she wanted, her response revealed she had no hidden agenda. Our intents will be revealed by how we respond and what we demand when those blank checks are thrown at our feet. She was not giving to God’s servant so that God is indebted to her.

The Prophet eventually found out she had no child and prophesied that even though she did not ask when the opportunity was presented, this God who is no respecter of persons and gifts will honor her sincere faith and offerings. The Word came to pass and she was no doubt, a joyful mother until the day the boy was sent home suddenly by his dad because he was not feeling well. All the application of that noble faith that day did not work the miracle she expected and thus the boy died. Once again, the faith of this woman starts shining in her darkest hours.

She did not allow her faith to die on the spot with the boy. Neither did she sit there and question God, “Why?” “Why me?” “Why my only son?” As Pastor Kristie Schatzline so perfectly put it, “When the storms of life hit you, you can either sit where you’re struck or you can find a detour and continue your journey.” The woman of Shunem not only decided to take the detour, her faith shined all the way as she went the only way left open to her after her only son died. She sent for a ride and when her husband inquired, she didn’t break down and lament her fate. Her outstanding faith shone through her response to him and to everyone else she met along that detour she had to take, “It is well!”

The highlight here is not the kind of storm that hit you, how hard it struck, where you are fallen, how bad the fall was, but what are you doing about it right now. Are you sitting where you fell wondering about your faith, about life, and about God? Are you sitting there listening to the lies of the enemy who capitalizes on such opportunities to remind us how our case is so terrible, that we are being picked on, and that we have been marked out for adversity? Are you lost in your losses or are you stirring up your faith instead, to look the adversity straight in the eye and affirm your confidence in this God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ever imagine or ask? Your reactions and confessions when the storm strikes is a direct reflection of where your faith lies. What are you confessing?

Blessings
Glory!