Faith and Hope Amidst Tragedy: The Shunammite Woman
Summary
Today’s passage from 2 Kings 4:18-37 draws us into the story of the Shunammite woman—a mother who experienced both the miraculous gift of a son and the unthinkable pain of losing him. This narrative, set in the time of the kings, is bookended by miracles and reminds us that our faith is founded on the miraculous: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this story, we see that God is still a God of miracles, even when life brings tragedy and heartbreak.
The Shunammite woman’s journey is a powerful example of how to respond when the unthinkable happens. She experiences deep loss as her promised son dies in her arms, yet her response is marked by compassion, faith, and action. She doesn’t collapse into despair; instead, she lays her son on the prophet’s bed, symbolizing her hope in God’s power, and sets out to find Elisha. Her faith is not passive—she acts, believing that God can do what seems impossible.
When she reaches Elisha, her posture is one of worship and humility, even in distress. She doesn’t demand answers or shake her fist at God; she bows at the prophet’s feet, expressing both her pain and her trust. Elisha, in turn, models wise and compassionate ministry—he recognizes her distress, doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and responds with prayer and presence.
The miracle that follows—the raising of her son—points us to the greater miracle of the gospel. Just as Elisha stretched himself over the child and prayed, so Jesus laid down his life for us, bringing life where there was only death. The story is a reminder that our ultimate hope is not in what we can control or prevent, but in what God can do. As we gather at the Lord’s Table, we remember that Christ’s body was broken and his blood was shed so that we might have life. In our moments of loss, longing, or waiting, we are invited to place our hope in the God who still works miracles and welcomes us to his table.
Key Takeaways
- Compassion in the Face of Tragedy: The Shunammite woman’s first response to her son’s suffering is to hold him in her lap, embodying the deep compassion that mothers—and all who love—are called to show. In times of loss, our presence and tenderness can be a profound ministry, even when we cannot fix the situation. Compassion is not weakness; it is a reflection of God’s own heart for us. [45:04]
- Faith That Acts, Not Just Waits: True faith is not passive resignation but active trust. The Shunammite woman doesn’t simply accept her loss; she takes bold steps to seek God’s intervention, traveling to Elisha with urgency and hope. Faith often means moving forward even when the outcome is uncertain, trusting that God is able to do more than we can imagine. [46:58]
- Hope Rooted in God, Not Circumstances: Despite her pain, the woman’s ultimate hope is in the Lord, not in her ability to control events. Her steady posture—declaring “all is well” even when her heart is breaking—shows a maturity that leans into God’s character rather than her circumstances. This kind of hope is not denial, but a deep trust that God is still at work, even in the darkest moments. [49:48]
- Ministry Through Presence and Prayer: Elisha’s response to the woman’s distress is not to offer quick fixes or platitudes, but to linger with her, recognize her pain, and pray. Ministry is often less about having the right answers and more about being present, listening, and interceding for others. Prayer is the first and most powerful step in any situation, inviting God’s authority and presence into our need. [01:12:05]
- The Gospel in Every Miracle: The raising of the Shunammite’s son is a foreshadowing of the greater miracle of Christ’s resurrection. Every miracle in Scripture points us to the ultimate hope we have in Jesus, who laid down his life so that we might live. Our hope is not in our ability to prevent pain, but in the God who brings life out of death and welcomes us to his table of grace. [01:13:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Mother’s Day and Family Series Introduction
[02:30] - Setting the Context: Time of the Kings
[04:10] - The Role of Prophets and Miracles
[06:00] - The Shunammite Woman’s Story
[08:15] - Parallels with Abraham and Sarah
[10:00] - When the Unthinkable Happens
[13:00] - Compassion of a Mother
[15:00] - Faith and Active Trust
[18:00] - Hope in the Lord Amidst Loss
[21:00] - Elisha’s Ministry of Presence
[25:00] - The Miracle: Life Restored
[28:00] - The Gospel Foreshadowed
[31:00] - Placing Our Hope in God
[34:00] - The Lord’s Supper: Remembering Christ
[38:00] - Benediction and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: 2 Kings 4:18-37 – The Shunammite Woman and the God of Miracles
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### Bible Reading
- 2 Kings 4:18-37 (The story of the Shunammite woman, her son, and Elisha)
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### Observation Questions
1. When the Shunammite woman’s son became ill and died, what did she do first, and where did she place him? ([40:57])
2. How did the Shunammite woman respond when her husband questioned why she was going to see Elisha? What phrase did she use? ([49:48])
3. What was Elisha’s initial response when the woman came to him in distress? How did he treat her? ([49:48])
4. What actions did Elisha take when he arrived at the house where the boy lay? ([01:12:05])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The Shunammite woman’s first response to her son’s death was to hold him in her lap and then lay him on the prophet’s bed. What does this reveal about her faith and her understanding of God’s power? ([45:04])
2. When the woman says “all is well” even though her son has died, what does this say about her hope and trust in God? Is this denial, or something deeper? ([49:48])
3. Elisha doesn’t offer quick answers or try to explain the woman’s suffering. Instead, he is present and prays. What does this teach us about how to minister to others in pain? ([49:48])
4. The miracle of the boy’s resurrection points forward to the resurrection of Jesus. How does this story help us understand the gospel and the hope we have in Christ? ([01:13:49])
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### Application Questions
1. The Shunammite woman showed deep compassion by holding her son in his final moments. Think of someone in your life who is suffering or grieving. What is one practical way you can show compassion and be present with them this week? ([45:04])
2. The woman’s faith was not passive—she took action and sought out Elisha. Is there a situation in your life right now where God might be calling you to take a step of faith, rather than just waiting? What would that look like? ([46:58])
3. The woman declared “all is well” even when her heart was breaking. Have you ever experienced a time when you had to trust God despite painful circumstances? How did you find hope? ([49:48])
4. Elisha’s ministry was marked by presence and prayer, not just solutions. When someone you know is hurting, do you tend to offer advice, or do you take time to listen and pray with them? How can you grow in this area? ([49:48])
5. The story reminds us that our hope is not in what we can control, but in what God can do. Are there areas of your life where you are trying to control the outcome instead of trusting God? What would it look like to surrender those to Him? ([01:12:05])
6. The raising of the Shunammite’s son points to the greater miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. How does remembering Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death shape the way you face loss, disappointment, or waiting? ([01:13:49])
7. As we gather at the Lord’s Table, we are reminded of God’s grace and invitation. Is there a relationship in your family or community that needs reconciliation before you come to the table? What step can you take toward healing that relationship this week? ([01:12:05])
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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for faith that acts, hope that endures, and compassion that reflects God’s heart—especially for those facing loss or waiting for a miracle.
Devotional
Day 1: God is a God of Miracles
Throughout history, God has shown Himself to be a God of miracles, intervening in the lives of His people in ways that defy human explanation. From the miraculous birth of Isaac to the resurrection of Jesus, these acts remind us that God is not limited by our circumstances or understanding. Even today, His power is at work, often in ways we may overlook or take for granted. As you reflect on your life, consider the miracles—big and small—that God has performed, and let your faith be strengthened by the knowledge that He is still able to do the impossible. [35:21]
2 Kings 4:17 (ESV)
But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.
Reflection: Where have you seen God’s miraculous hand at work in your life or the lives of those around you, and how can you pause today to give Him thanks for it?
Day 2: Moms Often Go Through the Unthinkable
Life in a broken world means that even those who are faithful and loving, like the Shunammite woman, may face unimaginable pain and loss. The story of her son’s sudden death reminds us that tragedy can strike anyone, and that grief and hardship are part of the human experience. Yet, in these moments, God invites us to bring our pain to Him, to be honest about our struggles, and to find comfort in His presence and the compassion of others. If you are walking through a season of sorrow, know that you are not alone, and that God sees and cares deeply for you. [42:27]
2 Kings 4:18-20 (ESV)
When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died.
Reflection: Is there a place of pain or loss in your life that you need to bring honestly before God today, trusting Him with your grief?
Day 3: Faith is Active, Not Passive
The Shunammite woman’s response to tragedy was not to sit in despair, but to act in faith—seeking out the man of God and refusing to give up hope. Her journey to Elisha, despite the doubts of others, demonstrates that true faith moves us to action, even when the outcome is uncertain. Faith is not just wishful thinking; it is a trust in God that compels us to pursue Him, to pray, and to seek His intervention. When faced with challenges, let your faith propel you forward, trusting that God honors those who earnestly seek Him. [46:58]
James 2:17 (ESV)
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Reflection: What is one step of active faith you can take today in response to a challenge or need in your life?
Day 4: Our Ultimate Hope is in the Lord
In the midst of her distress, the Shunammite woman’s steady posture and worshipful heart reveal a deep trust in God, even when she did not understand His ways. She did not demand answers or become embittered, but instead placed her hope in the Lord, bowing in humility and worship. This kind of hope is not rooted in circumstances, but in the character and faithfulness of God. When life is confusing or painful, you are invited to anchor your hope in Him, knowing that He is sovereign, compassionate, and worthy of your trust. [49:48]
Psalm 42:11 (ESV)
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift your hope from your own control to trusting in God’s goodness and sovereignty?
Day 5: Worship God for Who He Is, Not Just What He Does
The conclusion of the story is marked by worship and gratitude, not entitlement or bitterness. The Shunammite woman receives her son back and responds by bowing at Elisha’s feet in worship, recognizing that all good gifts come from God. True worship is not about demanding our way, but about celebrating God’s character, His holiness, and His grace, even when life is hard. As you gather in worship—whether alone or with others—let your heart be centered on who God is, and let gratitude and reverence shape your response to Him. [01:12:55]
1 Chronicles 16:29 (ESV)
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
Reflection: How can you intentionally worship God today for who He is, regardless of your current circumstances?
Quotes
Place you're hoping what God can do and not what you can control or prevent that that's just I hope that's an encouragement to all all of you who are especially parents this morning and especially to moms place your trust in God and not what you can control or event prevent. [01:03:08] (18 seconds)
You see, faith just doesn't sit still. Faith is just not wishing for things to happen. That's not faith. Faith is active. James talks about this often in our life. Faith is active. So once she lays the young man there, what does she do? Get me a donkey. Saddle me a donkey. Get me a servant. I'm going to take a trip. [00:47:20] (24 seconds)
Corporate worship is a regular gracious reminder that it's not about you we're going to make that transition now it's not about you you have been born into a life that is a celebration of another and that's what we're going to do we're going to celebrate another who is our good Lord. [01:05:38] (26 seconds)
Miracles are a retelling in small letters. The very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for us, for some of us to see. What's he saying by that? He's saying that sometimes we can see the miracle of regeneration that a person who was dead in their sins and come alive in Christ and not even think of a thing about it. [00:36:42] (28 seconds)
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