What does it truly means to put Jesus at the center of our family lives? In a world constantly pulling for our attention, our energy, and our priorities, how do we ensure our homes reflect God's kingdom rather than the chaos around us?

There's a powerful story in 2 Kings about a woman whose name we don't even know, yet her faith journey offers us profound wisdom. This Shunammite woman recognized the presence of God on the prophet Elisha's life and made an intentional decision to create space for him in her home.

She didn't just invite him for dinner occasionally or make him a casual priority when convenient. She literally built a room in her house specifically for him to stay whenever he passed through town. Think of her as the very first Airbnb host, but with a spiritual purpose!

This wasn't just about hospitality. The Shunammite woman was making a deliberate choice to prioritize God's presence in her home. She was saying, "The presence of God is so valuable to me that I will invest my time, resources, and space to host it."

A Framework for Jesus-Centered Families

When we examine how to put Jesus first in our families, I want to offer a simple framework: FAM.

F - Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

The Shunammite woman was wealthy and had many material blessings, but when offered a gift from Elisha, she didn't present a wish list. Instead, she said, "I have need of nothing." This wasn't because she literally needed nothing; in fact, she was childless, which was considered a significant lack in her cultural context.

Her response revealed the posture of her heart. She wasn't trying to leverage her proximity to God's presence for material gain. She understood the value of God's presence in her life without requesting anything specific in return.

Yet God knew her deepest desire. Through Elisha, He promised her a son within the year. Her response? "Don't lie to me." Perhaps years of disappointment had led her to shelve that dream. But God sees beyond our spoken requests to the true desires of our hearts.

When we fix our eyes on Jesus, miracles happen in our families. Not because we're using Him to get what we want, but because we've put Him in His rightful place.

In practical terms, this means establishing non-negotiables in your family life:

• Make church attendance a priority, not something that gets bumped for sports or other activities
• Create space for daily spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, and worship
• Be consistent with these priorities even when you face resistance

I grew up in a somewhat dysfunctional home, but my grandmother was the spiritual matriarch who made church non-negotiable from the time I was four years old. This consistent exposure to God's presence sustained me through difficult seasons and shaped my faith journey.

As parents, we know our children don't always recognize what's best for them. We have a short window of opportunity to demonstrate what life priorities should look like. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we model for them the foundation of a faith-filled life.

A - Align Your Life with God's Word

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

The Shunammite woman's story continues with tragedy. Her miracle son, now older, collapses in the field and dies in her arms. What does she do? She carries him directly to the prophet's room, the space she had dedicated to God's presence, and shuts the door.

When her husband asks where she's going, she simply says, "I'm going to see the man of God." He questions why, since it's not even a holiday, and her response is profound: "It is well."

How could she say this when reality indicated otherwise? Because she understood God's promises. She knew if she could reach the prophet, the same God who gave her this miracle could restore it.

Here's a truth I want you to remember: When your faith is aligned with God's truth, you don't deny facts, but you defy their finality.

The Shunammite woman didn't deny the reality of her son's condition, but she refused to accept it as the final word. She knew his story wasn't over because she knew God's character and promises.

In dark, hopeless seasons when facts say one thing but you need your faith to tell you something else, you must turn to God's Word. With so many opinions competing for our attention, nothing replaces opening an actual Bible and reading God's words for yourself.

If you're seeking answers, clarity, or wisdom today, particularly regarding your family, go to God's Word. It will illuminate your path when everything else is dark.

Whether you're worried about your teenager, praying for a prodigal to return home, or hoping God will redeem past mistakes in your family, God's Word promises that He can restore what the enemy has stolen and redeem even our failures.

M - Model Christ in Everything

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2)

The Shunammite woman's story has an interesting structure. After her son's resurrection in 2 Kings 4, she disappears from the narrative until 2 Kings 8, several chapters later. When she reappears, we learn she had stayed close to the prophet's guidance.

Elisha had warned her about a coming seven-year famine and advised her to leave her land for that duration. She obeyed, living in Philistine territory until the famine ended. Upon returning, she discovered she had lost everything  -- her home, her land, her possessions.

Yet because she remained consistent in following godly counsel and stayed connected to God's presence, Elisha advocated for her before the king. Not only was everything restored to her, but she received a supernatural seven-fold increase.

Why? Because she modeled consistency. She didn't receive her miracle and then distance herself from God. She stayed close to His presence and guidance, modeling steadfast faith even through difficult circumstances.

In our social media age, we need fewer "influencers" and more imitators of Christ. The Shunammite woman wasn't concerned with followers or views – she simply cared about being in God's presence and living according to His ways.

My grandmother exemplifies this principle beautifully. She married my grandfather at 18, just before he was drafted into World War II. While he was away, she gave her heart to Jesus and became deeply committed to her faith. Every Sunday, she attended church faithfully. She led prayer teams and women's groups, consistently modeling Christ in their home.

Did my grandfather immediately embrace her faith when he returned? No. It wasn't until he was 70 years old, after decades of my grandmother's consistent witness, that he finally put on his blue suit one Sunday morning and said, "Lois, I think I'm going to church with you today."

That's the power of modeling Christ: It can impact generations. If you're praying for a spouse's salvation or for family healing, don't give up. Your consistent witness matters.

We model Jesus by how we forgive within our families, how we remain faithful through challenges, and how we sacrifice when it's difficult. Your children are watching, your coworkers are watching, and most importantly, heaven is watching.

The Miracle of Jesus-Centered Families

When we put Jesus first in our families, fixing our eyes on Him, aligning with His Word, and modeling His character, we position ourselves for miraculous breakthroughs. Sometimes these miracles happen overnight; sometimes they unfold over decades. But God is faithful to honor those who honor Him.

If you're praying for family restoration or for loved ones to embrace faith, take courage from these stories. Make room for God's presence in your home. Stay consistent in your witness. Align your life with His promises. And watch as He works in ways that exceed your expectations.

Remember, it's not about perfect families, it's about Jesus-centered ones. When we get that priority right, everything else follows.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)