Topic: It shall be well, it is well
Text:   2 Kings 4:23,26
Preacher: Pst. Segun

Romans 8:1-2

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

INTRODUCTION

The scripture talks about the story of a rich woman from shulem, a shulemite woman. Though her name was not mention but she was described as an influential woman. She was also noted to be one that was very observant; being able to observe the man of God – Elisha whenever he comes to her town. Afterwards, extended a kind gesture to him. Her hospitality was so intense that the man of God became indebted to her apparently. The man of God called his servant one day to ask what her challenge is; his observation was that they didn’t have a child. Indeed, no matter how rich you are, everybody has a challenge. It came to pass, that her child died, and she had to meet the man of God for help.

This woman expressed a profound confidence, she kept saying “it is well”. Looking at the state of things, as much as possible always say it is well.

POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT THE SHULEMITE WOMAN

i.          She confessed positively: Isaiah 3:10. You must confess positively, that is it well. Prov. 6:2 “Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.“. In other words, whatever you say with your mouth comes to pass or is likely to come to pass. We saw how the woman kept saying it shall be well even in a seemingly impossible situation. Numbers 14:28 “Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:”

ii.         She was Persistent: She kept saying “it is well”, why? Because of what she had done. 2 Kings 4:30 “And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her..” She was persistent; she knew she had credited account. God indeed does not fail; he does not forget our labour of love.

WHAT MADE THE WOMAN PERSISTENT

a.         God keeps records of selflessness: God keeps records of hospitality. Proverbs 19:17 “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again”. In other words, God does not forget your labour of love. What can make the word “It is well” beautiful or meaningful in our mouth is that we learn to become hospitable. Gen. 18:1-15, Abraham showed hospitality to strangers and he entered a major breakthrough in his life. Psalms 41:1 “blessed is he that considereth the poor, the lord will deliver him in time of trouble”.

b.         She gave strategically: Philippians 4:15-19. It’s not only about giving to your pastor, any of your leaders can enjoy your giving, your parents, etc.

c.         God remembered her service: Isaiah  38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.  38:2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,  38:3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

d.         God remembers your sacrifice: Sacrifice means going beyond limit, beyond your best, it is going beyond your comfort. This was exactly what the shulamite woman did, she went beyond her best. She didn’t wait for the Man of God to ask her, she went on to do the needful. 2 Samuel 24:24 “And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”

CONCLUSION

The best sacrifice you can make is in Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The word it is well does not work for unbelievers. God remembers sacrifice indeed.

PRAYER POINTS

• It is well with you in the name of Jesus. Amen
• It shall be well, it is well. Amen.