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Is hardship a sign of disfavor with God?

What questions do you pose when your life is not smooth sailing?

What signs do your look for to assess whether a person is in favor with God?

Many in our pain or hardship-aversive culture are tempted to equate poverty, pain, hardship, suffering, illness, and even death with signs of disfavor with God.

In 2 Kings 4:1-7, we find the widow of a faithful disciple of Elisha, a faithful prophet of the Lord, facing a threat of enslavement for her children because she was unable to pay off her deceased husband’s debt.This is unreal. A faithful servant of God remained poor, indebted, died, and left his family with a mound of debt. We see that even those who faithfully serve God might face hardship, poverty, suffering, illness, and death. This can be a lesson for us all that faithfulness to God is not a shield from the effects of this fallen world.

In 2 Corinthians 11:26-17, the Apostle Paul, another faithful servant of God, writes of his own hardships in this life and even in his ministry. Our Lord Jesus himself faced hardships, poverty, and death. Therefore, what should be our question in the face of hardship? It should not be, 'Why me?' Rather, it should be 'Why not me?' fully realizing that God is able to meet all our needs regardless of our status in life.

The prophet’s widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7, serves as a reminder that God cares for the need of widows and can meet their needs if and when they trust in Him. This week as you reflect on the question of suffering, hardship, illness, and even the death of a loved one, may you rely on the grace and mercy of God to meet your need. Rather than asking the 'why me' question, let us trust that the Lord is able and ready to supply all our needs according to His riches found in Christ Jesus.

1. What is your take away from the story of the widow in the book of 2 Kings 4:1-7?

2. What need are you facing this week that you are doubting God is willing to meet?

3. How would you respond next time you are faced with hardship?

4. What counsel or advice can you give to a friend who is struggling in his/her faith?