Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 5)

4. EFFECTIVE PRAYER REQUIRES TRUST.

“So he entered and shut the door behind them both” (2 Kin. 4:33).

Elisha shut the door to keep out both Gehazi and the woman. I don't know about you, but being shut out makes me feel frustrated, disqualified or unwanted!

When Elisha shut the door, the woman had no strategy left but to trust.

• She had to trust that Elisha had her best interest, and her son's welfare, in mind.
• She had to trust that Elisha knew what he was doing.
• She had to trust that Elisha would respect her son's body while he “did his thing.”
• She had to trust that her being shut out and feeling left out didn't mean Elisha was cruel or was trying to send a message.

From where did the woman's trust in Elisha come? Her trust came from relationship. Her husband and she entertained and hosted Elisha in their home (2 Kin. 4:8- 10). She received spiritual ministry from Elisha at the new moon and on each Sabbath (2 Kin. 4:28). Today we would say that she attended the weekly and special services and got to know her pastor.

It is one thing to tell God what's on your mind; it is another to believe that He hears, He cares and He is in the process of answering.

• Psa. 9:10 > “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
• Psa. 37:5 > “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

(Tomorrow's post: part 1 of the conclusion.)