Beyond
The Hype
II Kings 4:8-17, 8:1-6
Elisha
said to Gehazi, “Tell her, ‘Look, you
have treated us with such great respect.
What can I do for you? …’” She replied, “I’m quite secure.” So he asked
Gehazi, “What can I do for her?” (II
Kings 4:13-14)
Many people are hopping from one event to another and from
one public experience to another in search of solutions. When everything has
ended, however the big question they are stuck with is 'so what?' Often
excitement from events is for their duration. Afterward, the moment they are by
themselves they feel lost. Beyond the
hype of the event or the public moment they suddenly wake up to the realities
of their lives.
The deep-rooted life issues are often not obvious because
life has taught that in public you put out your best appearance and
performance. You put on a smile and a great outlook. Life has taught not to disappoint the
high-five opinions others extend to you. Life has taught the art of getting
along with the wave of group mood even when you feel lonely in the crowd, so
that you are not the odd one. As a result, you are often battling with the real
issues and challenges inwardly and privately on your own. At that level,
beneath the surface, you not only ask about challenges of life but grapple with
existence - Who am I, why am I here and where am I going?
In addition to enjoying passing moments, you need also
prepare for what you face on your own beyond the hype of the moments. You will
have to deal with the sort of questions and issues the Shunammite woman faced
(2 Kings 4:8-17; 8:1-6). Publicly she was prominent and self-sufficient. If
anything, her problem would not be how to get sufficiency but how to keep it.
Yet beneath the surface, she had to deal with life issues like everyone else
and managed to overcome.
1) She
faced personal choices about God. These choices no one can make
for another. She decided to trust and
please God in her life. She embraced God's view of life and found her purpose.
She sought opportunities to serve God. Serving God is contributing godliness in
your circle of influence with the means you have. She found her opportunity
when she hosted, for meals, a prophet of God who passed through her home area.
Later she and her husband built a room for the prophet to live with them. The
personal choices you are making about God each day affect how you will cope
with your life beyond the hype (Mathew 6:33). Another lesson from the woman is
she maintained a healthy relation with her husband. Married people know how
easy it is for spouses to put out each other’s fire. The husband was involved
in decisions affecting both of them and was supportive. In fact, in face of
other issues, God used someone to provide the woman’s solutions.
2) She
faced her unmet needs. The woman had given up hope that certain
needs in her life could be met. You also
may be facing mountains you cannot climb or move. You many have pitched your
tent to settle next to the mountain and have ruled out victory. The woman felt
the same. However, as she learnt obedience and the secreting of putting God
first in life, God positioned her for a miracle that met a silent need she had.
God unsettled the spirit of the prophet about doing something for the woman for
her labor of love to look after him. Jesus is unsettled about your situation.
God is moving someone’s heart for you. Instead of the woman asking for
something, the prophet asked ‘what shall be done for her?’ She was so content
and secure with what she already had that she did not ask for anything even
when given opportunity. Just God's presence and grace was enough for her. Her
motive for serving was just love for God and people. She was an all weather
believer - One loving God with plenty or without (Phil 4:11-13). But her
response only heated up the question what shall be done for her and a positive
answer had to be found. God used Gehaz
to make the prophet aware that the woman needed a child. In one year, she had a
child. If you are walking in love and obedience, get ready for what God is
about to do for you. Something your imagination has lost. A longing you buried
is coming your way.
3) She
faced sudden setbacks. Just as she was full of praise that God
exceeded her expectations. When she was a happy parent of a miracle child who
was making good progress, a fatal headache hit and the boy died. Whether it was meningitis or a blood vessel
burst. Whatever it was God remained the caring, able and faithful. The woman
retained her faith and confidence. She was consistent and steadfast. Though in
distress, she repeatedly assured her husband and others that all was well. God
used support people around her to enable her reach the prophet who was not at
home. The set back ended in a great come back as the boy was brought back to
life.
4) She
faced disappointments in her faith (2 Kings 8:1-6). She faced
unanswered questions. Things did not always go the way her bible teacher
taught. She had the kind of puzzle not easy to testify about for fear of being
judged to be without faith. To avoid going through a drought, She had obeyed the
prophet and went to live in a foreign land for seven years. She must naturally
have developed attachment to her things over the years. Obeying must have been
hard for her. It meant leaving her home comfort. To make matters worse when she
came back her situation did not match her obedience. She came back to find out
that she had lost everything she owned. She had done nothing wrong. However, despite
all this she got promotion. While earlier she would need the prophet to seek
favors from the king on her behalf now she went to plead her case before the
king for herself. God’s providence went before her. While she was on the way
God worked on the king’s heart to favor her. The king began a conversation with
Gehaz about the works of Elisha. Gehaz mentions many exploits but just cannot
get to the story of the shunammite woman. By the time, Gehaz talks about the
woman she was at the door with her son to confirm for herself the story. The
king moved story, restored to her all that she had lost. No situation you face
is too hard for God. Even in the fire, you can experience God’s presence.
One also needs to note that by this time the woman had most
likely lost her husband who was old. While all her property was restored it is
likely this was one of the things she did not get back. But what was restored
was a testimony of God’s presence with her
and a source of comfort for things not restored. When things are not
restored God still restores faith, peace and joy.
Beyond the hype when you are by yourself, a healthy personal
relationship with God through faith in the work of Jesus Christ to save will
keep you going. What personal choices are you making daily about God? What
personal challenges, setbacks and unanswered questions in your faith journey
are you facing? Learn from the Shunammite woman, God will show himself for you
and bring people around you who are pregnant with your solutions.
Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.
Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith
Life Center.
Ground and First
Floors Sunset
Bay Building,
204B Bram Fischer drive,
Randburg, Johannesburg,
South Africa
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