In 2 Kings 4:1-7, the prophet asked a question to a certain woman in need: ‘What shall I do for you?’ (v. 2 ESV). I believe it’s the same question that God still asks today to those who are in trouble, burdened, harassed… even to those who are at their wit’s end.

The woman in the story was a godly widow in serious troubled as she was crippled by debts. She also had two sons and was about to lose them in low of her debt. In her desperate need she went to the prophet Elisha and cried out to him, and the outcome was just amazing – not only was her debt paid and her sons saved from slavery but her future was secured.

So today, let’s look at some of the lessons that we can learn from this story that demonstrate that even God’s people have much to learn:

1. God’s people are not immune from serious testing

As I often say, if you want a TESTIMONY then you have to pass the TEST.

Verse 1 tells us that her husband had been a son of the prophet and feared God. This tells me that a godly family are in no way exempt from serious trials. Did you know there is no victory without a battle like there is no mountain without a valley? So, if you are in a battle or in a valley there is hope that with God’s help you can pass the test.

2. God’s people often question His love and wisdom when troubles come

Verse 1 hints that this godly woman was questioning God’s love toward her and her family for allowing trouble to come her way. Frequently we too can reason in this way because our reaction is only based on our human perspective. However, God not only sees all but knows all things and makes no mistakes. As His Word declares in: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV) and ‘Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails’ (Proverbs 19:21 NIV). So stop questioning God and start believing and expecting for your breakthrough!

3. God’s people often find their opportunity only when they reached their extremes

You see, this woman came to her extreme. Her own language demonstrated that the only thing she saw was negative. Here is what she said: ‘Your servant my husband is dead… his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves’ (2 Kings 4:1 NIV). If that is not an extreme situation, what is? Then she sought to go and cried out to the prophet Elisha.

Often God becomes the last resource before we realise that not only does He have the answer, but He is the answer. Why does God not intervene earlier and allow us to get to our own extremes? First it is important to remember that God has given us a free will and He will never impose Himself upon us. Hence He has given us so many promises in His Word such as: ‘Call to me and I will answer you’ (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV). Secondly, God will only give us His fullness when we are willing to give Him our emptiness. So today, know that God’s strength is made perfect in our times of weaknesses (see 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Therefore, what have we learned today? – first, that no one is immune from serious testing for it is the TEST that allows us to have a testimony. Secondly, let’s make sure that we never question God for He always has the perfect answer. Thirdly, don’t wait till you get to extreme situations before calling to Jesus for help. I trust that these few thoughts will help you not to miss your breakthrough.