WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES! (continued)

by: Rev. Leon Aguilera

Last week, we examined the first example of, “What a difference a day makes!”  We saw:

I. A Difference When the Day Brings a Rendezvous with Destiny

A. A Personal Need

B. A Prophet’s Necessity

C. A Place Provided

II. A Difference When the Day Brings the Ship Sailing In

 We observe in II Kings 4: 11-17:

A. A Rest Received

The weary worn prophet needed a place to rest. This Shunammite and her husband found a need and filled it (II Kings 4:11). As Elisha lay there in his new bedroom, God moved upon his heart to do something for the woman. It is in the peaceful resting times that God often speaks to us. “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches” (Psalm 63:6).

B. A Reciprocation Offered

                Elisha asks the lady what she would want. It has been suggested since Elisha was admired by the king, that the Shunammite could suggest something she wanted from him, but she confidently said, “…I dwell among mine own people” (II Kings 4:13c), meaning, I am satisfied; I don’t need nor do I want anything the king might offer me.

C. A Revived Hope

                II Kings 4: 16-17, the Shunammite is promised a boy! To use an old proverbial expression, “Her ship is coming in!” After all these years of waiting, longing and wanting, “it fell on a day.” The day has finally come!

 Thirdly we see:

 III. A Difference When God Turns the Trial into Triumph.

We are brought into this crucible that turns into death that culminates in resurrection in II Kings 4: 18-37:

A. The Test 

In II Kings 4:18-22 the greatest test this family has ever known is upon them. The Bible tells us, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (I Peter 4:12).

B. The Trust

                In II Kings 4:23-30 there are four statements made by the Shunammite woman that speaks of her undying trust in the Lord in the moment of crisis, “It shall be well” (II Kings 4:23). “It is well” (II Kings 4:26). “Do not deceive me” (II Kings 4:28). “I will not leave thee” (II Kings 4:30).

C. The Turnaround

                II Kings 4:31-37 reminds us that God’s works are not limited to man’s imagination. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). The prophet’s staff is placed on the dead body of the boy, but he is not revived. This is an illustration that God does not superstitiously run His power through objects or things. God does not bless icons. God blesses people! It is when the man of God arrives on the scene that things change. Even today God is looking for surrendered vessels through which He will show His power and might.

 After seven sneezes, the boy is fully alive! What a turnaround and what an encouragement to all of us that the Lord God of Elijah and Elisha is still ready to turn all of our trials into triumphs.