Reading With the People of God #12 - the Good LifeSample

Faith in the Face of Desperation

Desperation has a way of revealing what we truly believe. When everything falls apart—when loss, sickness, or uncertainty strikes—where do we turn?

In 2 Kings 4:8-37, the Shunammite woman experiences the unthinkable: the death of her long-awaited son. Yet, instead of collapsing in despair, she seeks out Elisha, clinging to the hope that God can still act. Her words, “All is well,” are not denial but deep faith in God’s power, even in the face of death. And God proves faithful, restoring her son to life.

In Matthew 9:18-38, we see multiple stories of people turning to Jesus in desperation: a grieving father whose daughter has died, a sick woman reaching for the hem of His robe, and two blind men crying out for mercy. Each of them comes with nothing but faith—faith that Jesus is their only hope. And in every case, He responds with compassion and power, bringing healing, restoration, and life.

These stories remind us that true faith isn’t just believing when things are easy. It’s trusting that even in our darkest moments, Jesus has the power to bring life where there is death and hope where there is despair.

As you read, ask yourself:

Where do I turn in desperation? Do I trust that Jesus is enough?