Everything is Fine: Finding Hope When God’s Promises Feel Unfulfilled
The story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 teaches us powerful lessons about faith, persistence, and trusting God even when His promises seem unfulfilled. Through her example, we learn how to navigate seasons where our circumstances don’t align with what we believe God has promised.
What Should We Do When God’s Promises Feel Only Partially Fulfilled?
The Shunammite woman received a miraculous promise of a son, only to later hold him as he died in her arms. Yet rather than giving up hope, she demonstrated remarkable faith through her response. Her declaration that “everything is fine” wasn’t denial – it was deep conviction that God wouldn’t leave His promise partially fulfilled.
How Can We Bring Our Problems to God?
The first key lesson is that we can bring our problems directly to God. The Shunammite woman:
- Ran straight to the prophet when crisis hit
- Was honest about her pain and frustration
- Reminded God of His promise
- Refused to settle for partial solutions
We don’t have to avoid God when we’re struggling. Honest communication strengthens our relationship with Him.
What Should We Do When Nothing Seems to be Working?
The prophet Elisha tried multiple methods to resurrect the boy:
- Sent his staff with his servant
- Prayed over the childLaid on top of him
- Paced the roomTried again
The breakthrough came not through a new method, but through persistence in what God had already shown. When nothing seems to be working, try again. Don’t give up on what God has called you to do.
How Does God Fulfill His Promises?
All of God’s promises find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The story points to how:
- God removes spiritual death through Christ is faithful to complete what He starts.
- Our hope rests in the promise-giver, not just the promise
- God still brings dead things back to life today
Life Application
This week, consider:
- What promises of God feel unfulfilled in your life right now?
- Are you running to or away from God with your frustrations?
- Where do you need to persist rather than give up?
- Is your hope in the promises themselves or in the faithful God who gives them?
Challenge yourself to:
- Bring one unfulfilled promise honestly before God in prayer
- Return to something God previously called you to do that didn’t seem to work
- Choose to declare “everything is fine” not from denial but from trust in God’s faithfulness
Remember: If you haven’t breathed your last breath, God isn’t finished working. He remains faithful to complete every promise He makes.