Permission to be bold

Sometimes we may picture the women of the Bible as quiet and soft-spoken. Not so with the Shunammite woman. Read her story in 2 Kings 4:8-37. In a few of the Bible versions she is described as 'great', which is a polite rewording of the original Hebrew for 'bold and loud'. Why'd she get that reputation? Let's summarise the story.

The Shunammite woman looked after the prophet Elisha whenever he came to her town. In return, Elisha prophesied that she would have a son. When that son grew up, he got a headache one day while working the fields and collapsed dead in her arms. The Shunammite woman wasn't having that. She rolled up her sleeves, announced, 'It is well,' and went to ask Elisha for a miracle. Elisha said he'd send his servant to her boy. She went, 'Fine, but I'm staying here until you come.' Picture him raising his eyebrows, and finally giving in. He goes, prays to God and a miracle happens. Her boy comes back to life.

What's going on here? Without knowing what would happen to her son, this woman clung onto God and said it was all 'well'. We too can have that boldness, if we want it. Hebrews 4:16 says we can go to God, unashamedly confident, with whatever is bothering us.



So what now? God's given you permission to take your pains and problems to his throne and ask for his help. Write a list (so you don't get distracted when you pray) and give them to him.





— SCRIPTURE —

'She answered, "It is well."' 2 Kings 4:26 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

Lev 23:26-32, Heb 9:1-14, Heb 13:11-16