Trouble's Final Word (2 Kin. 4:18-37) (Part 1)

Introduction:

Read 2 Kings 4:18-37.

Notice that TROUBLE CAME TO THE WOMAN'S LIFE.

• She did nothing to deserve it.
• She had no time to prepare for it.
• She could have done nothing to prevent it.
• She acted shrewdly when it came.

In fact, her behavior had as much to do with the outcome as Elisha's did. Had she not determined to go to Elisha and bring him back, there would have been no resurrection of her son. When trouble came, she determined that Elisha – nothing else or no one else – would have the final word in the matter.

Not only did trouble come to the woman's life, but TROUBLE COMES TO A CHRISTIAN'S LIFE. Similar to the Shunammite woman it might be that, when trouble comes to your life . . .

• You did nothing to deserve it.
• You didn't have no time to prepare for it.
• You could not have done anything to prevent it.

The question is: Will you, as did the Shunammite woman, act shrewdly when trouble comes? How you behave might affect the outcome! What should you do when trouble comes? When trouble comes, let Elisha have the final word. Elisha, whose name means 'God is Savior', is a picture of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Transition: When trouble comes, something or someone will have the final word. What or who will it be?