By Marvin Garrison

 Three things are in play in today’s lesson: natural disasters, economic hardship, and God’s miraculous provision. These call for empathy, compassion, and sharing from God’s people. 

Natural Disasters

Our world is not immune to natural disasters. We may have lived through a disaster or know someone who has. Perhaps we have responded to an appeal for assistance. Or we may have responded emotionally to the news of loss of life and property resulting from a disaster. 

Economic Hardship

As with the Shunamite woman, farmers in the dust bowl days felt the ravages of drought. Many were forced from the only home and life they knew to experience life as displaced persons. Loss of crops, homes, and income often hastened the deterioration of health and eventually death. The hardships faced by that generation also forged a people of strong faith. 

Today, many are experiencing an economic hardship resulting from natural disasters and man’s greed. These difficult circumstances provide an opportunity for the believer to demonstrate the Lord’s faithfulness in caring for others.

Even in difficult times, the unnamed Shunamite woman found the resources, compassion, and generous spirit to help the man of God, reminding us that greatness is found in serving.

Miraculous Provision

Faith makes it possible for both the Lord’s servant and the hurting to be cared for through the miraculous provision of God. 

On numerous mission trips to areas of extreme poverty in Mexico, we experienced the pleasure of blessing people with life’s necessities. At the end of one mission, our team members were guests of honor at an evening of entertainment and a meal. Our murmurings of being tired soon turned to humility and praise as we learned about the sacrifices involved in providing food and gifts for us.

Let’s allow God to meet the needs of others through us, for we are never more like God than when we give.

Marvin Garrison has served 53 years in the ministry and is the preaching minister at First Christian Church, Laverne, Oklahoma. Marvin and his wife Vickie have one son and two grandchildren.