When the test comes, cry out

SUMMARY: The widow who approached Elisha after the death of her husband teaches us that grief is a part of the experience of every believer. It is important to see tests as normal experiences that God can use to purify and perfect us. In the midst of the test, we must look for a solution and approach the Throne of Grace with confidence, presenting our needs with intensity and determination. Crying out to God is necessary for Him to respond and provide us with the miracle we need. Persistence in prayer is the secret to victory. We must not give up until we receive the answer we need.

As we study the life of the widow who approached Elisha after the death of her husband, we see that grief is part of the experience of every believer: The important thing is not whether we are going to suffer or not, but what we are going to do when let the test come into our life. If we see the test as a normal experience, and as an instrument that God can use to purify and perfect us, we will be prepared to face it and handle it correctly.

The second lesson that emerges from the behavior and experience of this wonderful woman is that in the middle of the test, she looked for a solution. She affirmed herself in the Lord, and after her initial perplexity and despair, she set out to face the problem, to seek a solution. She did not allow the test to overcome her, or for adversity to take over her life.