The Long Road of Faithful Obedience

The Bible in a Year

“The woman arose and did after the saying of the man of God; and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.” (2 Kings 8:2)

As we journey through the Scriptures, we often encounter heroes of faith whose names are not celebrated as frequently as Moses, David, or Elijah. The Shunammite woman is one such believer. Yet her story provides an insightful lesson about obedience that remains deeply relevant today. When Elisha warned her that a severe famine would strike the land for seven years, she was faced with a difficult decision. The famine had not yet arrived. The fields still appeared productive. Life seemed normal. Nevertheless, she trusted God’s message and acted immediately.

What stands out first is the promptness of her obedience. Scripture simply says, “The woman arose and did.” There is no record of debate, delay, or negotiation. She did not demand additional proof or wait for visible signs of drought. She acted because she trusted the God who spoke through His prophet. This principle echoes throughout Scripture. When God instructed Noah to build an ark, there was no flood in sight. When Abraham was called to leave his homeland, he departed without knowing his destination. Genuine faith often moves before circumstances make sense. As commentator Matthew Henry observed, “Those that trust God’s promises must obey His precepts.” Faith and obedience have always walked hand in hand.

Her obedience was also painful. She was required to leave the familiar comforts of home and relocate her entire household to foreign territory. For a widow, this was no small undertaking. Obedience to God is not always convenient. Sometimes it requires leaving behind comfort, security, relationships, or personal plans. Yet Scripture repeatedly demonstrates that God never wastes an act of faithful obedience. The cost may be high, but the reward of walking with God is always greater than the comfort of remaining where He has not called us to stay.

Another striking aspect of her response is the wisdom she demonstrated. She settled in Philistia, a region often associated with Israel’s enemies. Under different circumstances, such a move might have reflected spiritual compromise. Yet in this case it represented discernment. The coastal region offered greater access to resources and trade routes that would sustain her family during the famine. Faith does not eliminate wisdom; it enhances it. Godly obedience often opens our eyes to practical solutions we might otherwise overlook. As Charles Spurgeon once noted, “Faith is reason at rest in God.” Trusting God does not require abandoning wisdom but applying it under His direction.

Perhaps the most challenging element of her obedience was patience. Seven years is a long time to live away from home. Seven years is a long season of uncertainty, inconvenience, and waiting. Yet she remained exactly where God had directed her until the appointed time was complete. Many believers can obey for a day, a week, or even a season. The greater challenge is persevering when God’s timetable stretches longer than expected. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

As I reflect on this remarkable woman, I am reminded that obedience is rarely measured by dramatic moments alone. More often, it is revealed through daily faithfulness. It is choosing to trust God’s Word when circumstances suggest otherwise. It is continuing to follow His direction when the journey becomes difficult. It is remaining faithful long after the excitement of the initial decision has faded.

The Shunammite woman teaches us that obedience with excellence is prompt when God speaks, courageous when sacrifice is required, wise in its decisions, and patient through long seasons of waiting. Her example challenges us to remain faithful, trusting that the God who guides us is also the God who sustains us.

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The release of my first self-help book, initially scheduled for November 29th, is postponed because of unforeseen delays. While I know this may be unpleasant, this extra time ensures I deliver a resource reflecting biblical wisdom and practical guidance at its best.

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