The Encounter of Pretending to be Normal _06PT2 Mt. Carmel,2 Kings 4:11-37 The Shunammite’s son miraculously restored to life: God’s power to give life and to raise the dead (v.8-37) In this story, we find a woman whose son has died. When this happened, she put the boy in the room made for Elisha and hastened to meet him at Mt. Carmel where he was staying. The focus of this story that we want to address is the challenge of being honest and open with others. The woman told the servant that all was well when it was not at all. Honesty and directness are difficult for many folks, but it is essential if we are going to grow in the Lord. We are not to hide our sins and faults from the Lord. Realize it cannot be done because God knows everything, and such behavior leads to further problems and defeat. Don’t go through your life in “pretending mode. “I thought faith meant soldiering on, pretending I was okay when I wasn’t. But in reality, by refusing God’s help and healing, I was robbing myself of a divine intimacy with God. When God offered me closeness and wholeness, I essentially said, “No, God, I’m good! I got this.” How to Stop Despair. 1.Recipe for Despair.11-17 A. After Great Victory B. During Times of Physical Exhaustion C. During Times of Loneliness D. From an Inaccurate View of Circumstances 2. The Treatment for Despair v.22,24-25 A. Remain Faithful B. Recognize God’s Presence 3. Claiming Victory Over Despair v.37A. Be honest B. Press Onward C. Choose Encouragement May the Lord help us all to meet the challenge of simplicity with God and others every day. May we meet all the challenges of Mount Carmel.