Pastor G. Campbell Morgan was quoted as saying: “What we do in the crisis always depends on whether we see the difficulties in the light of God, or God in the shadow of the difficulties.” When people face any kind of crisis, they tend to look through the lens of fear and anxiety.
The widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 seemed to see her difficulties in the light of God—not God in the shadow of her difficulties. Though her husband had been a member of a “group of prophets,” she faced the prospect of her two sons being forced into slavery to work off the family debt (2 Kings 4:1; see also Leviticus 25:39-41).
In the midst of this crisis, the widow turned to the right source for help. She turned to Elisha, who represented God (2 Kings 4:1). Next, she acknowledged the limitations of her own resources to bring resolution to her crisis (2 Kings 4:2). Third, she leaned on others for assistance (2 Kings 4:3). She didn’t let pride prevent her from reaching out to others who could help. Finally, she followed Elisha’s specific instructions, and God provided miraculously for the needs of her family (2 Kings 4:4-6). The miracle supplied her with a marketable commodity to use in paying off her debt, left enough to support her family, and enabled them to remain together. Her response to the crisis proved that she saw her difficulties in the light of God.
Experiencing family and personal crises can be frightening, exhausting, and even debilitating. But we can rest assured that God is near, sees what’s happening, and is concerned about us. Our response is not to cower under anxiety and fear, but to see all of our difficulties in the light of God’s power, faithfulness, and love.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 6:1-38
More:
Read 2 Kings 4:8-44 and note the consistent themes of the chapter.
Next:
How have you responded in the past when faced with a family or personal crisis? What step of faith can you take today to show that you see your difficulties in the light of God?
Ruth O'reilly-smith on April 15, 2014 at 1:50 am
This is such a beautiful reminder Marvin. Let us not lose heart when circumstances leave us feeling out of control and incapable of ‘seeing’ God. Look back and see how He has been faithful in the past; He is the same – He does not change and He is working to bring about His good purpose in this moment, no matter how difficult (Romans 8:28).
BearPair on April 15, 2014 at 4:51 am
Marvin, good words of encouragement & exhortation. Re,imds me of the verse Pat & I are working on this week, 1 Peter 5.10: “And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Thanks Marvin!
dr.lightsey on April 15, 2014 at 7:28 am
Good word. It is comforting to know that regardless of when and where we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” God is with us. We never walk alone (Psalm 23:4).
Gary Shultz on April 15, 2014 at 7:55 am
Thank you. Words of support we need. The working of knowledge, faith and trust, its there, but we often despair.
raya00072717 on April 15, 2014 at 8:18 am
Hello everyone,
I love reading these daily messages I find that I can relate to most of them at times. This one in particular since in my moment of dispair and difficulty I struggle and want to fix things on my own. I will be praying and ask God for his guidance. That’s it’s through him, a family member or Christian friend. That he can help me cope with the storm. I know it’s hard for me since I love to solve things alone but need to learn to rely on him more. Thanks for this message Marvin, it was much needed, stay blessed 🙂
Roxanne Robbins on April 15, 2014 at 11:25 am
Thanks for this good and timely exhortation, Marvin! “Experiencing family and personal crises can be frightening, exhausting, and even debilitating. But we can rest assured that God is near, sees what’s happening, and is concerned about us. Our response is not to cower under anxiety and fear, but to see all of our difficulties in the light of God’s power, faithfulness, and love.”
ibukunoluwa12 on April 15, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Thanks marvin for this wonderful reminder, it what i needed right now, am at a crossroad and confronted with the fear of what decision to make right . I kept wondering what is going to happen to me but just like u said, I am going to seek God and knowing that He has been faithful all this while, HE will guide me tru this moment. Please keep me in your prayers.
Winn Collier on April 24, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Where we’re looking really does make all the difference, doesn’t it?