Faith, Gratitude, and God's Miraculous Interventions
Summary
There are moments in life when we can look back and say, “God blocked it.” Not because everything is perfect, but because in the midst of what could have destroyed us, God’s hand intervened. Today, gratitude fills the heart for another day, for the grace that has kept us, and for the testimony that we are still here. Life’s journey is not always smooth—sometimes it’s marked by close calls, pain, and even loss. But through it all, God’s faithfulness remains.
The story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 reminds us that God often uses ordinary people with extraordinary faith and a heart to serve. She was a woman of means, but more importantly, she was a woman of discernment and generosity. She made room for the prophet, not for recognition, but out of a genuine desire to serve. Her story teaches us that sometimes God says, “Tag, you’re it”—He calls us to be the answer to someone else’s need, to step out in faith, and to use what we have for His glory.
Yet, even when we walk in obedience, life can bring us to places of deep pain and confusion. The Shunammite woman received a miracle—a son—only to face the unimaginable when he died. In that moment, she didn’t collapse in despair or broadcast her pain; instead, she laid her burden on the bed of the prophet, symbolizing her trust in God’s promise. She moved with determination, refusing to let anyone or anything slow her down as she sought God’s intervention.
Faith is not the absence of struggle, but the refusal to let struggle have the final word. Sometimes, what looks dead in our lives is the very place where God wants to show His resurrection power. The Shunammite woman’s faith, her refusal to accept defeat, and her insistence on seeking God brought about a miracle. Her story is a call to persistent, fervent prayer and to surround ourselves with people who will believe God with us.
Personal testimony bears witness to this truth. Even in seasons of abundance, the enemy can attack the mind and spirit. But God’s deliverance is real—He brings us out so that we can help others find hope and healing. No matter what you’re facing, God is able to block the enemy’s plans, restore what was lost, and bring new life to dead places. Trust Him, move in faith, and know that He is still working miracles.
Key Takeaways
- Gratitude in the Midst of Adversity: True gratitude is not reserved for the easy seasons, but is forged in the fires of adversity. When we choose to focus on praise rather than pain, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and open ourselves to His peace, even when circumstances are far from ideal. This posture of thankfulness is a declaration that God’s goodness is not dependent on our comfort, but on His unchanging character. [55:25]
- The Gift of Serving and Obedience: The Shunammite woman’s story highlights that serving is not a lesser gift, but a powerful act of faith. God often calls us to be the “it”—the vessel through which He blesses others. When we respond to God’s prompting with humility and generosity, we participate in His work and position ourselves for unexpected blessings. [57:05]
- Faith When Promises Seem Dead: There are seasons when what God promised appears to have died. The Shunammite woman teaches us not to accept defeat, but to lay our burdens before God and move with unwavering determination toward Him. Faith is not passive; it is active, persistent, and sometimes requires us to move in silence, trusting God even when we don’t have all the answers. [01:07:45]
- The Power of Fervent, Honest Prayer: God honors honest, fervent prayer that comes from a place of desperation and trust. Like the saints of old, we are called to pray until change comes—not with rehearsed words, but with raw honesty and faith. It is in these moments that God’s power is most clearly revealed, and miracles are birthed in the lives of those who refuse to let go. [01:13:30]
- Testimony and Deliverance for Others: Our deliverance is not just for us, but for those who will come after us. God allows us to walk through valleys so that we can offer real hope to others facing similar battles. When we share our stories of God’s faithfulness, we become living proof that He can block the enemy’s plans and bring restoration, no matter how hopeless things may seem. [01:24:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[50:31] - Reflections on Home and Gratitude
[51:57] - God’s Protection in Everyday Life
[55:25] - Choosing Praise Over Pain
[57:05] - The Gift of Serving and Generosity
[59:21] - “Tag, You’re It”: God’s Call to Action
[01:01:58] - Humility and Contentment in Blessing
[01:03:30] - When Promises Die: Facing Loss
[01:07:45] - Laying Burdens Before God
[01:13:30] - Fervent Prayer and Persistent Faith
[01:20:00] - Personal Testimony: God’s Deliverance
[01:23:46] - The Reality of Affliction and God’s Deliverance
[01:24:49] - Sharing Your Story for Others
[01:26:18] - Invitation to the Altar
[01:31:22] - Declaring Victory and Encouragement
[01:34:56] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[01:37:14] - Invitation to Salvation and Church Membership
[01:38:24] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “God Blocked It”
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### Bible Reading
2 Kings 4:8-37
(The story of the Shunammite woman, her hospitality to Elisha, the promise and loss of her son, and God’s miraculous restoration.)
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### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did the Shunammite woman take to serve Elisha, and what do these actions reveal about her character? ([55:25])
2. When her son died, how did the Shunammite woman respond both outwardly and inwardly? What did she do with her pain? ([01:07:45])
3. According to the sermon, what was the significance of the Shunammite woman’s answer, “It is well,” even when her circumstances were not? ([51:57])
4. What role did fervent, persistent prayer play in the outcome of the Shunammite woman’s story? ([01:13:30])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The Shunammite woman was described as both wealthy and generous, but the sermon emphasized her “gift of serving.” Why is serving considered a powerful act of faith, and how does it position us for God’s blessings? ([57:05])
2. The sermon said, “Faith is not the absence of struggle, but the refusal to let struggle have the final word.” How does the Shunammite woman’s story illustrate this truth? ([01:07:45])
3. The preacher shared a personal testimony about God’s deliverance during a season of mental and emotional struggle. How does sharing our testimonies help others find hope and healing? ([01:24:49])
4. Why do you think the Shunammite woman chose not to broadcast her pain or despair, but instead moved with determination toward God? What does this teach us about handling our own burdens? ([01:07:45])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon highlighted the importance of gratitude “in the midst of adversity.” Think of a recent challenge or “close call” in your life. How did you respond—did you focus on your pain or your praise? What would it look like to choose gratitude next time? ([55:25])
2. The Shunammite woman made room for God’s servant without seeking recognition. Is there someone in your life you sense God is calling you to serve or bless? What practical step can you take this week to be “the answer” to someone else’s need? ([57:05])
3. When faced with a situation that feels hopeless or “dead,” do you tend to give up, complain, or press into God? What is one area in your life right now where you need to lay your burden before God and move in faith? ([01:07:45])
4. The sermon described honest, fervent prayer as “raw honesty and faith.” When was the last time you prayed with that kind of desperation and trust? What keeps you from praying this way, and how can you take a step toward more authentic prayer? ([01:13:30])
5. The preacher shared that God’s deliverance is not just for us, but so we can help others. Is there a part of your story—maybe a struggle or a victory—that you’ve been hesitant to share? Who might need to hear your testimony this week? ([01:24:49])
6. The Shunammite woman surrounded herself with people who could believe God with her. Who are the people in your life that encourage your faith? How can you be more intentional about building relationships with those who will pray and believe with you? ([01:07:45])
7. The sermon said, “Sometimes God says, ‘Tag, you’re it.’” Is there an area where you sense God is calling you to step out in faith or obedience, even if it feels uncomfortable? What is one step you can take this week to say “yes” to God’s call? ([59:21])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to share one area where they need God to “block it” or bring new life, and pray together for faith, gratitude, and courage to trust God’s faithfulness.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith That Declares "It Is Well" in the Face of Loss
When the Shunammite woman’s promised child died, she did not let her circumstances dictate her confession. Instead, even with heartbreak and uncertainty, she spoke words of faith: “It is well.” Her trust in God’s promise was greater than the pain of her present reality. This is a reminder that faith is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of a steadfast hope that God is still at work, even when things look dead or impossible. When you face moments where your dreams or promises seem to have died, you can still declare, “It is well,” trusting that God is able to restore and redeem what seems lost. [51:57]
2 Kings 4:26 (ESV)
"Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels hopeless or “dead” right now? Can you choose to speak faith over it today, declaring “It is well” and trusting God to move even when you can’t see how?
Day 2: The Gift and Power of Serving Others
The Shunammite woman was not only wealthy, but she was also gifted in serving. She used her resources and discernment to meet the needs of the prophet Elisha, building him a room and caring for him without seeking recognition. Serving is not a lesser gift; it is a powerful act of obedience and love that God honors. When you serve with gladness, you become a vessel for God’s blessings to flow through you and to others. Your willingness to serve, even in small or unseen ways, can open doors for God’s miraculous provision and favor in your life. [57:05]
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: Who is someone you can serve today—without expecting anything in return? How might God use your act of service to bless both them and you?
Day 3: Trusting God When Promises Seem Broken
When the Shunammite woman’s son died, she did not give in to despair or broadcast her pain. Instead, she laid her dead promise on the prophet’s bed and pursued God’s presence with determination. She refused to let go of what God had spoken over her life, even when it looked impossible. Sometimes, you have to lay your burdens, disappointments, and broken dreams before God, trusting Him to do what only He can do. God is faithful to His promises, and what looks dead to you is not beyond His power to resurrect. [01:07:45]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you’ve given up on or stopped praying about? Can you lay it before Him again today, trusting Him to move in His timing and His way?
Day 4: God’s Deliverance in Our Deepest Struggles
Life with God does not mean a life without pain or struggle. The testimony shared reminds us that even in our darkest moments—when depression, anxiety, or hopelessness threaten to overwhelm us—God is able to deliver and restore. He blocks the plans of the enemy and brings us through what should have destroyed us. Your story of survival is not just for you; it is a testimony that God can do it for others, too. No matter what you face, God’s power is greater, and He is working all things together for your good. [01:20:00]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Reflection: Think of a time when God brought you through something you thought you wouldn’t survive. How can you encourage someone else today with the hope and deliverance you’ve received?
Day 5: The Power of Persistent, Believing Prayer
The Shunammite woman’s story and the testimony of fervent prayer remind us that breakthrough often comes through persistent, faith-filled prayer. Sometimes, you have to pray until you see the change, refusing to give up or settle for less than God’s promise. God honors the prayers of the righteous, and there is nothing too hard for Him. When you pray with boldness and perseverance, you invite God’s miracle-working power into your situation. Don’t be afraid to bring your deepest needs and desires before Him—He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. [01:23:46]
James 5:16 (ESV)
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: What is one area where you need to pray more persistently and specifically? Will you commit to bringing it before God every day this week, believing that He hears and answers?
Quotes
And God said, so that when it happens to somebody else, you will not be able to say, I can imagine. But you'll be able to say suicidal ideations, I know, depression, I know, anxiety, I know. But here's the part you'll be able to say, that the same God that delivered me, feel my help, is the same God that can deliver you. God blocked it, if the enemy had had his way, I would have lost my mind. But God blocked it, and some of you that are under the sound of my voice, I dare you to tell the enemy, no boss, no boss. Today is the last day that you whisper in my ear and tell me that I'm not enough. Today is the last day that you make me fearful, because God has not given me a spirit of fear.but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. [01:19:33] (72 seconds)
I wish I could tell you that serving God means that you're never going to have any problems. I wish I could tell you that serving God means that every day is going to be a good day. But even the scripture says that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God shall deliver them out of them on our son. So whatever you're going through right now, I've come with a clarion call to tell you that God is a deliverer. [01:23:58] (39 seconds)
The Bible says, the Bible says that the child sneezed seven times and came back to life. Oh, my God. I feel my own healing. Y 'all ain't got to feel nothing, but I feel God moving down my right side. This morning, I couldn't even put up my arm to put on my own clothes, but there's something about the number seven. I heard it's the number of completion. It's the number when God does miraculous things, and the boy came back to life. And I've just come to tell somebody today, despite what you're going through and despite what it looks like, you could have been dead. You should have been dead. You would have been dead. But I've come to tell somebody God blocked it. He just wouldn't let it be so. [01:15:08] (49 seconds)
We're going to be like that Shunammite woman. We're going to move in silence. We're going to believe more, but we're going to say less. We're going to trust more, but we're going to say less. We're going to believe that you can do anything. The question was asked, is there Anything too hard for God? There is absolutely nothing that you cannot do. [01:33:16] (30 seconds)
You're showing them, you're squeezing the hand of a miracle. You're squeezing the hand of a survivor. I'm not the victim, I'm the victor. Because I've got victory in Jesus. [01:31:12] (19 seconds)
But when I got there, I realized that I needed God to do something that I couldn't do for myself. And I couldn't pray for myself. I couldn't speak for myself. But then I remembered the song that said, somebody prayed for me. Had me on their mind. Took a little time and prayed for me. I'm so glad. I said, I'm so glad that they prayed for me. [01:17:13] (32 seconds)
But we got the same kind of story as believers. It's called Jesus went to Calvary to save a wretch like you and me. He died for us. He died for us. He died just not so that we would have life down here, but that we would have life and that we would have it even more abundantly. [01:07:03] (20 seconds)
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