Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4:37
The fair came to my neighborhood this past weekend. As I was watching all the rides, games and excitement of the people, one particular ride caught me eye.
The Ferris Wheel. It is a massive ride, so how could one not notice it? If you have ever ridden a Ferris Wheel before, you know that it can be somewhat unexciting at first. This is one of the few rides that everyone can’t get on all at one time, once you get on, you must wait until everyone else gets on before the ride actually starts.
So you find yourself in sort of a holding pattern, excited when the ride begins, but suddenly disappointed when it comes to a stop to allow the other riders to get on.
Have you ever experienced this feeling before? Where you were once excited about something, but after months maybe even years of feeling like the Ferris Wheel in your life has stopped, everything just became uneventful?
Let’s consider The Shunammite Woman in 2 Kings. As we read the passage, we learn some things about her. She is a caring woman who thinks of the needs of others and devotes her life to serving. She and her husband have committed to serving, Elisha, the Man of God when he comes into town. Because of this, Elisha wants to do something for the woman. We, later on, find out that she does not have a child but we know that it is something that she desires or desired in the past, see verse 16.
Elisha promised the woman a son within a year’s time and sure enough, she bore a son. The Ferris Wheel of her life that once felt like it had come to a stop began to move again.
The Bible tells us that her son grew up, but one day, we learn that her Ferris Wheel once again came to a stop when her son dies, vs 20.
Maybe you can imagine, going through your life with dreams and goals, things that you want to accomplish, only to realize that you are still waiting on your Farris Wheel to start up again. Then once it does, and seems to be consistently moving, it stops again. How frustrating? Let’s look at how The Shunammite Woman handled her frustration.
In verse 22, we see immediately that she went right back to where her blessing came from. She didn’t waste time talking to people who couldn’t do anything about her situation, but she went straight to Elisha. As we continue to read the passage we see after a number of attempts, Elisha was able to bring the boy back to life. And once again, her Ferris Wheel began again.
Where are you on your Ferris Wheel of life? Is your Ferris Wheel currently moving or has it come to a stop? How long have you been in that position? What are you doing while you are there? I would encourage you to meditate on this passage and see how it parallels with your life? What can you learn from The Shunammite Woman?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for your faithfulness towards me. Even when there are times that I may have forgotten or chose to move on in my life. There are times in my life where I feel like my Ferris Wheel has stopped in place. Help me to remember that just because my life appears to come to a stop doesn’t mean that it has stopped. Allow me to keep my eyes on you. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
Carl says
Always right on time Tiff! Praise God!
Melissa says
Thanks for your share!
Great post!
I am looking forward to more posts like this!
asuasolucao says
What a wonderful article Tiffani, I confess I was thrilled with the reading.