“It is well”. This is a commonly used statement in recent times. Most people say as a way to close a conversation or just a passive way of commenting on a matter. But people with understanding know it is more than this. The statement is a declaration of faith. In today’s blog post, we will be looking at the story of the Shunammite woman as a form of “case study”.  

In 2 Kings 4:8-36, the scripture tells us of a woman who had everything she needed. She also showed some kindness to Elisha at a time when he needed it. Because of that, Elisha decided to do something for her as well. She was a well-to-do woman. At least that’s the description we were given in verse 8 (NIV).There was however one thing she didn’t have. She did not have a child of her own.

When Elisha made the prophecy to her that she would have a child by that time next year, she found it hard to believe. She almost refused to accept it, but the prophecy had gone out. And as was prophesied, she had a son by the following year (verse 17). 

But then, a few years later, the child suddenly died after a brief illness. This was a woman who was getting comfortable with the fact that she had no child. Then a prophecy came and a child came, only for the child to die not long after. This was enough reason for her to get upset at the prophet for his unsolicited help. But her immediate reaction to the situation is the focus of today’s study. (verse 18-21)

She insisted on going to see Elisha and when her husband (who was probably unaware of the child’s demise) asked what the occasion was, her only reply was “All is well”. When she encountered Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, he asked about her wellbeing and still, again, she replied “All is well”. (verse 22-26)

The ability of the Shunammite woman to keep confessing that all is well even when her son just died was a display of faith. There are times that we make declarations that seem contrasting to our current situation. But like the Shunammite woman, we should keep our positive declarations. Such things reveal our faith. It reveals that we have a substance of things hoped for and evidence of things we haven’t seen yet (Heb. 11:1). It is possible for the situation to eventually align with that confession of faith, as it was for her eventually.  

When we say it is well or all is well, it shows that we trust God. Many times, we use this statement when in reality, things are not going that great. Still confessing such things shows how we trust God that that bad situation will eventually pass. The Shunammite woman kept saying all is well while taking action to meet prophet, Elisha. She believed that there was something God could do for her through the prophet. Even though he had given her something she didn’t ask for –because of her fear of disappointment –she still had trust in the man of God and his God. (verse 28-30)

Other times, saying it is well is not even about your faith or trust in God. It is just a fact for any child of God. The scripture tells us in Romans 8:28 that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.

That is, even when the situations are good, they are working together for the good of those who love the Lord. And when it is not good at all, it is still working together for the good of those who love the Lord. This is a truth I am also starting to learn. Some things that could shake your faith will happen. But like the Shunammite woman, you must still hold on to the confession that all is well. 

This just serves as an admonishment that whenever you make the statement “it is well” or “all is well”, do so with understanding. Things may not seem like so or may even be far from your confession. But like a christian that trusts God and believes that all things work together for good, hold on to your confession.