DAILY ⓂANNA DEVOTIONAL MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 IT IS WELL TEXT: 2 KINGS 4:18-37

DAILY ⓂANNA DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018

IT IS WELL

TEXT: 2 KINGS 4:18-37

Key Verse: “Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well:” (2 Kings 4:26)_

Horatio Gates Spafford wrote the song _“It is Well With My Soul”,_ as he watched the icy waves of the Atlantic roll over the spot where his four little girls had drowned in a shipwreck days before. In an effort to forget his business problems back in Chicago, Horatio had planned an European vacation for his family, but could not leave with them because of a business deal. Unfortunately, the vessel, _Ville du Haure_ never made it; only his grieving wife, Anna, the lone survivor, now awaited him in France.

The death of the Shunammite woman’s much-awaited miracle child and an only son was a calamity of unequalled proportions. She did not bother her husband with the challenge but knew where to get the solution to the problem. Even when Elisha sent his servant to inquire about the welfare of her family, she confidently affirmed that “it is well”.

Though beset with such magnitude of family affliction, the Shunammite and the Spaffords’ unshakable faith in God pose a challenge to all Christians today. The fact that a faithful Christian passes through difficult times does not mean that God has forsaken him (Isaiah 49:15,16). Remember that Jesus was in the ship with His disciples; yet, there arose a great storm.

Do you think the present storm in your life will destroy you or that God is so indifferent to your plight? God perfectly understands and cares more than you imagine. The Shunammite had her son brought back to life and the Spaffords had two children thereafter. Your confession during difficulties will determine what you get.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If God brings you to it, He will bring you through.
COVER to COVER: PSALMS 56; 120; 140-142.

PONDER: Recovering lost blessings

1. Conviction: God will never give you a blessing (in this case, male child v16), and later afflict you by taking the blessing away in the absence of sin.
2. Conversation: Don't discuss your loss with people who will only console you or damp your faith v22,23.
3. Confidants: Discuss and seek the assistance of people of "like precious faith", in this case a prophet and man of faith v22, 27.
4. Consistency: Pray Until Restoration Comes.
5. Confession: Avoid self-pity and man's pity. Confess faith v23,26.

HYMN: It is well (GHS 24)

1. When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,

Chorus:
“It is well,............ with my soul!”
It is well, it is well with my soul!

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

3. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

4. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live;
If dark hours about me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Praise God for His blessings on you especially the blessing of salvation.
2. Think of the cause of lost blessings. If it is sin, ask for mercy. O God of mercy and power, let this blessing (mention it) locate me back.
3. Lord, I ask that the Holy Spirit will stretch His hand, recover and restore to me my lost blessings wheresoever it may be.
4. Lord, visit as many as are suffering under lost blessings in the Church and restore the blessings.