Unlikely Friendship: Speaking Over Old PromisesSample

As we continue to journey through the Shunammite Woman's life in 2 Kings, chapter four, we find that the man of God, Elisha, began to talk with his servant Gehazi about what they could do to show their gratitude to her.

Elisha asked her if he could speak to the king or the commander of the army on her behalf, which showed that he had influence among the high officials.

However, she responded that she lived among her own people and was content.

Her interest in giving without expecting anything in return is admirable, but I grow more concerned the further I read every time. Elisha had been blessed by her hospitality, and because friendship is shared, he wanted to do something for her. Gehazi, his servant, informed Elisha that she had no children and her husband was old.

Yet, when Elisha began to prophesy that she would have a child during the same time the next year, she begged him not to lie to her. She'd grown so content and had hidden her pain so deep within her that she didn't want anyone to revive old dreams and disappointments carelessly.

It's one thing to give to others without expectation, but it is a completely different thing to distance ourselves from God's desire to bless us as a result of the disappointment that we've felt in the past.

As someone who knows the pain of infertility firsthand, I am grateful for Godly friendships. They continue to speak over my life and remind me of the power of God’s presence.

Godly friendship helps us elevate our expectations and experience greater faith in God every time we encounter one another.

The Shunammite woman conceived, just as Elisha prophesied that she would, and she gave birth to a son.

Questions for Reflection

1. What prayers have you stopped praying, secretly believing they’re too good to hope for?
2. Which friends continue to help you elevate your expectations in the Lord?
3. What can you do to show appreciation for the friends who continue to help you develop your faith further?

Prayer

Father God,

I thank You for the people You have placed in my life to help me increase my expectation in You. You are my limitless God, the One who is everywhere at once, with all knowledge, holding all power in Your hands.

Today, I thank You for reminding me that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Help me to hold my desires with open hands as I continue to believe that when I delight in You, You will give me the desires of my heart. For Your name, Jesus is above fear, worry, and disappointment, and it is in You that I place my trust. Amen.