READ 2 Kings 8
The king restores the Shunammite widow’s land.

INSIGHT
Nothing happens in our lives or in the world apart from divine appointment or permission. Behind every event and incident, there is divine providence. The Shunammite widow, who has done so much for Elisha, is remembered and cared for years afterward. The Lord has a wonderful memory for those who feed Him when He is hungry and minister to Him when He is in need (see Matthew 25:37). The conversation between Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, and the king might seem an accident, but it is providential. When we abide in the will of God, life is sown with divine coincidences.

PRAYER
For the Lord’s sovereignty and goodness to us, offer this praise:
The Rock — his work is perfect;
all his ways are just.  
A faithful God, without bias,
he is righteous and true
(Deuteronomy 32:4).

Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I said, “Lord, be gracious to me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
But you, Lord, be gracious to me
and raise me up; then I will repay them.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting
amen and amen. (Psalm 41:4, 10, 13).

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,  
the Creator of the whole earth.
He never becomes faint or weary;
there is no limit to his understanding.  
He gives strength to the faint
and strengthens the powerless
(Isaiah 40:28-29).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• A stronger desire to be like Christ
• Local churches across the nation
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us  and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).