I marvel at the Shunammite woman who looked death in the face and was not moved. The very day her son died in her arms (see II Kings 4:18–37), she walked about 16 miles to beseech Elisha, “the man of God” at Mount Carmel, to raise her son to life. One walks a mile at a good clip in 20 minutes, so it may have taken the Shunammite mother four to five hours even on the donkey she rode. According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary, the distance was “at least four hours’ ride … She is mounted on the best ass in the stable, and she does not slacken the rein.” Imagine her arduous journey. Yet upon her arrival, when asked, “Is it well with thee?” the first words from her mouth were, “It is well.” Her firm, humble reply was a deep and thorough protest of the lie about her son’s condition.
To me, the Shunammite woman is the gold standard from which to model a foundation for healing. Instead of entertaining doubt—or even a foolish hope—she held to a steadfast reliance on absolute Truth. The results speak for themselves: Elisha’s elevated thought raised her son from death. And her quintessential “It is well” prepared the way for the healing. She accepted no double standard—not life and death, not good and evil—only good.
It’s helpful to ask ourselves: What model are we following? Focusing on one infinite God, good, is what lays a rock-solid foundation for healing.
