2 Kings 3:1 & 4:37 - Thoughts

He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. (verse 4:35)

It's so difficult to imagine a man like Elisha pacing back and forth not knowing what to do next.  This is one of the few times we see Elisha struggle with his faith and not being confident in the will of God.  I'm grateful this event was documented for us because I experience moments like this too.  I walk back and forth wondering what God would have me do in this particular situation.  God is faithful to finish the work even if we don't know what to do next. (Phil 1:6)

If God had not chosen to raise the boy from death, would it have changed the character of God?  Certainly not!  This boy's healing was only temporary; he still died, but later in life.  God is ultimately interested in our eternal life and will deal with us in such a way as described in Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  The "good" spoken of here is the salvation of souls, not our immediate pleasures or comforts.

I believe God was doing a work in Elisha's life that required him to see God's power over life and death.  We see Elisha continue his ministry in a dramatically new way after this occurrence.

May the work God does in my life have an impact on me for the "good" of reaching others for Christ.