Throughout the Scriptures, we encounter extraordinary men and women whose trials not only strengthened their faith but also fulfilled God’s overarching plan. Character was developed. A testimony took place. Perseverance was endured. Wisdom was personified and transformation was evident.  We can be encouraged that their experiences, similar to our own, illustrate that even during adversities, “It Will Produce”.

The story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings chapter 4 details how she faced the death of her son, whom God had blessed her with through the prophet Elisha. In her grief, she demonstrated remarkable faith by seeking out Elisha yet again, ultimately leading to her son’s miraculous resurrection. (So he said, “What then is to be done for her?” And Gehazi answered, “It is a fact that she has no son, and her husband is old.” He then said, “Call her.” When he had called her, she stood in the doorway. Then he said, “At this season next year, you are going to embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.” Now the woman conceived and gave birth to a son at that season the next year, as Elisha had told her. 2 Kings 4:14-17) What lessons can we derive from the heartbreak, confusion, and resilience exhibited by this Shunammite woman? She not only teaches us the power of having faith in God in the midst of tragedy, but one sought the help of the Lord. By choosing to proclaim “It is well” despite her circumstances, she exemplifies the importance of maintaining trust in God. When you and I surrender our trials to Jesus, He will bring restoration all for His glory. (“Please run now to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘It is well.'” 2 Kings 4:26)

Another encouraging story is found in Mark chapter 12 verses 41 to 44 about a widow with two mites. This widow faced significant financial hardship, yet she demonstrated extraordinary faith and generosity by giving all she had to the temple treasury. Her humble offering was recognized by Jesus as more valuable than the large sums given by the wealthy, illustrating the principle that true giving comes from the heart, not how much you give. As believers in Jesus, we can be encouraged today by the widow’s story because it is one of surrender. When you and I trust God with our finances we are saying the Lord that He is our provider, not our place of employment. (“And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.'” Mark 12:41-44)

Embracing our trials with Jesus as our focal point produces the faith, trust, and perseverance that God desires for our benefit, ultimately resulting in His glory.