Making Room For a Miracle | Pastor Grant Ethridge | Liberty Live Church

Devotional

Day 1: Make Room for God’s Miracles

God is not bound by natural law, and He still performs miracles today for those who make room in their lives for Him. Just as the Shunammite woman built a room for Elisha, we are called to clear out space in our hearts, schedules, and priorities to invite God’s presence and power. Miracles may not always come in the way or timing we expect, but God delights in doing the impossible when we trust Him and prepare for His work. What do you need to empty from your life to make room for God’s miracle? [07:40]

2 Kings 4:8-10 (ESV)
“One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, ‘Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.’”

Reflection: What is one thing you can remove from your schedule or heart this week to intentionally make space for God to move in your life?

Day 2: Faith in the Face of Grief

Life is filled with both joy and pain, and sometimes our greatest blessings can also bring our deepest hurts. When the Shunammite woman’s long-awaited son died, she did not prepare for a funeral but instead prepared for a resurrection, refusing to bury her dream. In moments of loss and heartbreak, faith means returning to the One who gave the promise, trusting that God can bring life out of what seems dead, and believing that it’s not over until God says it’s over. [19:19]

2 Kings 4:18-23 (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. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. Then she called to her husband and said, ‘Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.’ And he said, ‘Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.’ She said, ‘All is well.’”

Reflection: Is there a dream or hope in your life that you have given up on? What would it look like to bring it back to God in faith today?

Day 3: Cling to God When You Don’t Understand

There are seasons when God’s ways are hidden and life’s pain is overwhelming, but in those moments, we are invited to cling to God, trusting His goodness and love even when we cannot see His hand. Like the Shunammite woman who clung to Elisha’s feet, and like Horatio Spafford who wrote “It Is Well with My Soul” after losing his daughters, we can declare “it is well” not because our circumstances are easy, but because we know God is with us and for us. [23:39]

Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Reflection: When you face pain or confusion, what helps you cling to God instead of pulling away? How can you practice that today?

Day 4: God’s Goodness in the Process

God’s miracles sometimes come instantly, but often they unfold in stages, through a process that teaches us to trust Him more deeply. Elisha’s persistent prayers and actions brought the Shunammite’s son back to life, but it did not happen all at once. In the waiting, God is still at work—warming what is cold, opening what is closed, and bringing vision where there was blindness. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, and that He is working for your good even when you can’t see the full picture yet. [29:42]

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: Where in your life are you waiting for God to move? How can you trust Him with the process, not just the outcome?

Day 5: The Greatest Miracle—New Life in Christ

The greatest miracle is not physical healing or provision, but the gift of salvation—when God brings us from spiritual death to life through Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha stretched himself over the child and life returned, Jesus stretched Himself out on the cross for us, offering forgiveness and eternal life. When we open the door of our hearts to Him, He comes in, forgives us, and makes us new. This is the miracle that changes everything, and it is available to all who believe. [32:21]

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Reflection: Have you experienced the miracle of new life in Christ? If so, how can you share that miracle with someone else this week? If not, what is holding you back from opening the door to Jesus today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a family of faith to celebrate God’s goodness, to encourage one another, and to make room in our lives for the miraculous. We recognized the challenges many in our community are facing, from government shutdowns to personal struggles, and we reaffirmed our commitment to care for one another in practical ways—like providing grocery cards for those in need. We also celebrated the growth of our church, with new facilities opening and new opportunities to serve.

Turning to the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4, we saw a powerful example of faith, generosity, and the mystery of God’s providence. The Shunammite woman, though wealthy, was barren—a source of deep pain in her culture. Yet, she used her resources to bless Elisha, building a room for him, which became a place of rest, communion, instruction, and light. Her hospitality was not just an act of kindness, but an act of faith, making space for God to work in her life.

When her long-awaited son died suddenly, her response was not to prepare for a funeral, but to seek resurrection. She clung to God’s promise, refusing to let grief have the final word. Her journey to Elisha was marked by urgency and hope, and her declaration, “It is well,” became a testimony of trust in God even in the face of loss. We reflected on how pain can either drive us away from God or draw us closer, and how, in our darkest moments, we must cling to what we know: God is good, God loves us, and God is at work even when we cannot see it.

We also shared personal stories of loss and restoration, reminding ourselves that God can bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and that sometimes miracles come in stages, not all at once. The greatest miracle, however, is not physical healing or material blessing, but the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Just as Elisha stretched himself over the lifeless child and God brought him back to life, so Jesus stretched himself out on the cross for us, offering us new life.

As we closed, we were invited to make room in our hearts for Jesus, to trust him with our deepest needs, and to believe that by this time next year, God can do what seems impossible. We were encouraged to build a room of faith, a room of praise, and to expect God to bring dead things to life for his glory.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Generosity Makes Room for God’s Miracles The Shunammite woman’s decision to build a room for Elisha was more than hospitality—it was an act of faith that created space for God to move in her life. When we use what we have, whether little or much, to serve others and honor God, we position ourselves to receive unexpected blessings. Generosity is not about the size of the gift, but the openness of the heart to God’s purposes. [09:55]
2. Faith Responds to Loss with Hope, Not Despair When tragedy struck and her son died, the Shunammite woman did not surrender to grief. Instead, she sought out the man of God, believing for resurrection rather than preparing for a funeral. True faith does not deny pain, but it refuses to let pain have the final word; it clings to God’s promises even when circumstances seem hopeless. [19:19]
3. Pain Can Draw Us Closer to God or Drive Us Away In moments of deep hurt, we have a choice: to become bitter or better. The story reminds us that suffering can either distance us from God or deepen our dependence on him. Clinging to God in the mystery of suffering, trusting his goodness even when we don’t understand, is the path to spiritual maturity and peace. [23:24]
4. Miracles Often Come in Stages, Not Instantly The resurrection of the Shunammite’s son was not immediate; it was a process involving persistence, prayer, and repeated effort. Sometimes God’s answers unfold gradually, teaching us patience and perseverance. We must not give up when the miracle doesn’t come right away—God is at work, even in the waiting. [29:42]
5. The Greatest Miracle Is the Forgiveness of Sins Physical healing and material blessings are wonderful, but they are temporary. The most profound miracle is when God brings us from spiritual death to life, forgiving our sins and making us new in Christ. This is the miracle that lasts for eternity, and it is available to all who put their faith in Jesus. [33:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - Smithville Campus Grand Opening Announcement
[01:00] - Supporting Our Community During Uncertainty
[03:15] - The Reality of Frustration and Need for Miracles
[03:36] - Understanding God’s Miracles and Natural Law
[06:01] - Elisha’s Call and Burning the Plow
[07:31] - The Shunammite Woman’s Hospitality
[08:39] - The Symbolism of the Prophet’s Room
[09:55] - The Gift of Generosity and Its Rewards
[12:36] - God’s Care for Both the Poor and the Wealthy
[15:55] - The Promise: “This Time Next Year”
[18:14] - Grief and the Loss of a Dream
[19:19] - Faith in Action: Seeking Resurrection
[22:46] - Clinging to God in Suffering
[27:17] - The Process of a Miracle
[29:42] - Signs of Life and Stages of Healing
[31:22] - The Cross: From Death to Life
[33:00] - The Greatest Miracle: Forgiveness
[34:49] - God’s Providence in Personal Stories
[36:32] - Jesus Knocks: Invitation to New Life
[38:10] - Responding in Faith and Prayer
[39:20] - Building a Room of Faith and Praise

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Kings 4:8-37 (ESV) — (The story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman)

> 8 One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food.
> 9 And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way.
> 10 Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”
> ... (Read through verse 37 for the full story)

Observation Questions

What did the Shunammite woman do for Elisha, and what was significant about the room she built for him? ([07:31])
When her son died, what was the Shunammite woman’s immediate response, and how did it differ from the usual customs of her culture? ([19:19])
What were the steps Elisha took when he arrived at the house after the boy’s death? What signs showed that the miracle was happening in stages? ([27:17])
According to the sermon, what does the phrase “It is well” reveal about the Shunammite woman’s faith? ([22:07])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the Shunammite woman chose to use her resources to build a room for Elisha, even though she was already wealthy and had no obvious need? What does this say about her heart and priorities? ([09:55])
The Shunammite woman did not prepare for a funeral but instead sought resurrection. What does this teach us about how faith responds to loss and disappointment? ([19:19])
The sermon mentioned that pain can either draw us closer to God or drive us away. What factors might influence which direction a person goes during suffering? ([23:24])
The miracle of the boy’s resurrection did not happen instantly but in stages. What might God be teaching us when answers to prayer come slowly or in steps? ([29:42])

Application Questions

The Shunammite woman’s generosity made room for God’s miracle. Is there a way you can use your resources—time, money, home, or talents—to serve others or make space for God to work in someone’s life this month? What would that look like for you? ([09:55])
When you face loss or disappointment, do you tend to prepare for a “funeral” (give up hope) or seek “resurrection” (hold onto God’s promises)? Can you share a time when you chose one over the other? What helped you make that choice? ([19:19])
The sermon said, “Pain can draw us closer to God or drive us away.” Think about a painful experience in your life. Did it bring you closer to God or create distance? What could you do differently next time to cling to God in the midst of pain? ([23:24])
Sometimes miracles or answers to prayer come in stages, not all at once. Is there something you are waiting on God for right now? How can you practice patience and perseverance while you wait? ([29:42])
The greatest miracle is the forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ. Have you experienced this miracle personally? If so, how has it changed your life? If not, what questions or doubts do you have about it? ([33:00])
The sermon encouraged us to “build a room of faith and praise” in our lives. What is one practical way you can make more room for Jesus in your daily routine this week? ([39:20])
The Shunammite woman’s declaration, “It is well,” was a testimony of trust in God even in the face of loss. Is there an area of your life where you need to declare “It is well” and trust God, even if you don’t see the outcome yet? ([22:07])

Sermon Clips

People would rather see a sermon than hear one any day. And she knew that there's something different about Elisha. He's a holy man of God because of who he belonged to. He belonged to God because of what he believed and because of how he behaved. A holy man of God who's continually passing our way. [00:08:01] (18 seconds) #HolyManOfGod

That bed represents rest in Christ. Come unto me, all you who are heavy laden, and I'll give you what? Rest. The table represents communion with Christ. He'll prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies. The Bible says that. If you'll open the door, he'll come in and eat with you. Oh, there's something about table talk. There's something about fellowship around a table. Rest in Christ. Communion with Christ. The chair represents instruction from Christ. Here it is. Study to show yourself approved unto God. I can't tell you how many hours I've got in this sermon. My wife was talking about it this week. Just how many hours I put into studying. Let me tell you. You get in the chair. The King James says the stool. You get on the stool. You get to the feet of Jesus, and he'll teach you. And then the lamp represents light for Christ. Once you have rested in him, communed with him, spent time with him, received instruction from him, he'll send you out into the world and let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. [00:08:45] (67 seconds) #RestCommunionInstructionLight

It tells us that Jesus came for the down and out and for the up and out. It tells us that we can honor God with whatever. Whatever we have, have her little, have her much, regardless of your circumstances, you live for God. [00:12:48] (18 seconds) #HonorGodInAllCircumstances

You know, it's not over until it's over. God has the last word. So, be on the lookout for your blessing. Make room for your miracles. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of light. By this time next year, you could be cancer free. By this time next year, you could have that open door. By this time next year, your loved one could be saved. By this time next year, you could get that promotion. Y'all not getting anything out of this. I'm preaching better than you're responding. By this time next year, because we pray 21 days in January, 21 days in August. By this time next year, I'm telling you, that prodigal. Son, that prodigal daughter could come home. By this time next year, you could be married. By this time next year, you could be embracing a child. By this time next year, you could be with Jesus. And if you know him and you're saved, to live is Christ and to die is gain. You're going to win either way. Amen. [00:16:22] (56 seconds) #GodHasTheLastWord

Her dream turned into a nightmare. Now, children are a gift from God. We just read about the gift. And I would tell you, it is better to have a child and that child die than to never have a child. I would say that about a pet. I would say that about all the blessings of God. It's better. It's better to have had it and enjoyed it and then it die and you have it no more than to never have had it. [00:18:48] (26 seconds) #BetterToHaveLoved

What do you do when you're hurting? You take your hurts to Jesus. You cling to God like she was clinging to Elisha. When Tammy was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December of 05, another pastor gave me a book called Spurgeon's Letters. And that book meant so much to me because it was his letters to his wife about his own illness. His letters to his wife about her illness. And I'm telling you, you cling to God when you're hurting or your loved one's hurting. It's either going to drive you away from God or it's going to bring you closer to God. And I'm telling you, you're either going to come out bitter or better. What do you do when you don't know what God's up to? You cling to God. You cling to what you do know, that God is good. That God loves you. And that God is at work even when you can't see it and you can trust him. [00:22:53] (52 seconds) #ClingToGodInPain

Let me just tell you, give people grace when they're grieving. Don't give them your opinion. Don't try to tell them what God's will for their life is. No, I'm telling you, we know what it's like. She held her son on her lap, dead, cold, stiff. We know what that's like. We watched our son Zachary and his wife Tori do the same thing with Titus James and Levi Wayne and they buried two little boys. We know that. We know that grief. But I'm telling you, in the providence of God, listen to me, in the providence of God, God took Christian, our little boy, to heaven and then he gave us twin boys. God is good. [00:25:37] (43 seconds) #GraceInGrief

Sometimes the miracle comes in stages. This time next year may not come instantly, it may come in stages. It may come in degrees. It may be a process. I want you to see here that mouth to mouth, listen, the child came to life. Three signs of life here, warmth, sneezing, and then vision, his eyes were open. That's what God wants to do. He wants to do something for you today. He wants to give you life. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. We're all born dead spiritually. Dead in our trespasses of sin. Salvation is when God brings you to life. [00:29:44] (38 seconds) #MiraclesComeInStages

Like that fireman was at the door watch Jesus said here I am I stand at the door and I knock and if anybody hear my voice and open the door I will come in and eat with that person and they with me that's what God wants to do he wants to come in forgive you of all of your sins he's not trying to hurt you he's trying to help you he wants to forgive you to save you will you let him do that today. [00:36:24] (25 seconds) #JesusKnocksToEnter

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the biblical definition of a miracle?

How can one prepare for a miracle today?

Why is forgiveness considered the greatest miracle?