Column: A lesson in great faith from the Shunemmite woman

The Bible speaks of weak faith, shipwrecked faith and great faith. In the Old Testament, we find a powerful example of great faith in the story of the Shunemmite woman and the prophet Elisha.

Elisha often passed by her home, and she persuaded her husband to prepare a room upstairs for him, complete with a bed, table, chair and lamp. Her generosity reflected both faith and hospitality. In return, Elisha asked how he might help her. Though she said she needed nothing, his servant pointed out that she was childless. Elisha prophesied that she would have a son within a year, and the prophecy was fulfilled.

Tragedy struck when the boy suddenly died. The woman set out to find Elisha, and when asked how her family was, she answered, “It is well.” Remarkably, even in her grief, her words reflected faith in God’s promise. Great faith sees the answer before the answer comes. As Jesus taught in Mark 11:24: “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Later, Elisha warned her of a seven-year famine and told her to move to Philistine territory. When she returned, her faith and obedience were rewarded. The king ordered that her land be restored, along with wages for its use during her absence.

Her story demonstrates the truth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The nameless Shunemmite woman reminds us that faith is a choice. Like her, we can choose weak faith—or great faith.

Ken Staley is pastor of Faith Church of Pleasant Grove (9:30 a.m.) and Harrisville Methodist Church (11 a.m.), both Global Methodist congregations. Text Ken at 918-852-9797.