2 Kings 4:23—“And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.”
The Shunammite woman hurried to Elisha after the sudden death of her son. When Elisha saw her approaching, he sent Gehazi to ask, “Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child?” Her brief reply was remarkable: “It is well.”
She was not denying her grief or pretending that nothing had happened. Her distress became evident when she reached Elisha and “caught him by the feet” (v. 27). Rather, she withheld the matter from Gehazi because she was determined to bring her sorrow directly to the prophet through whom God had promised and given her the child. Her answer also displayed a faith that refused to surrender to despair before seeking the Lord’s help.
Her words remind us that God remains good and sovereign even when His providence is painful and mysterious. She did not yet know how the matter would end, but she knew where to carry her burden. Like Job, who worshipped amid devastating loss (Job 1:20–21), she submitted her anguish to God rather than turning away from Him.
Faith does not require us to conceal sorrow. Scripture permits lamentation, tears, and earnest pleading. Yet faith also confesses that our circumstances do not overthrow God’s wisdom, faithfulness, or power.
When unexpected grief enters our homes, we should bring it to the Lord honestly and urgently. “It is well” does not mean that everything feels pleasant; it means that the believer rests in the God who does all things well. Even before relief comes, faith must cling to Him.
