Lessons from the Shunem woman

Where are you coming from?

Oh we had a programme in church and I attended it.

But the programme ended 2 hours ago, where did you go?

 If you must know I went to the man of God. I took a gift to him and prayed with him in his room. You know I have this job interview coming up and it is very competitive. I need all the anointing I can get. Why are you shaking your head? It is true; that’s where I went.

You have strange practices indeed.

Ah! Did Saul not insist on taking a gift to the man of God before inquiring of God through him? You don’t like men of God, or you think only your church has anointing.

Is that so? And what became of Saul eventually? Have you read about the Shunem woman? 2Ki 4:8(GNB)  One day Elisha went to Shunem, where a rich woman lived. She invited him to a meal, and from then on every time he went to Shunem he would have his meals at her house. In all her giving she never mentioned childlessness. Elisha never knew even when he pressed her to reward her for her kindness. This man of God may not know your name, but knows you as a sister in need. The Shunem woman’s motive of giving was not an answer to her prayer even when before the powerful man of God.

So what? Different strokes for different folks.

 Yes, and different results also. By coming with this specific request don’t you think you are limiting your reward?

How do you mean? She got her baby, I will get my job.

She got her baby that is true; she also had him raised from the dead. In fact she was protected from famine unlike other givers in Israel like you…

 Don’t abuse me o.

Sorry; no offense meant. She also had her lands restored when they were seized 2Ki 4 and 8. God reserves his best for those who serve Him unconditionally.

Thank you for your lecture. Can I go now?

 I’m not finished yet. You said you entered his room?

 Ah ah, were we supposed to pray in the corridor?

Well the shunem woman did not do this. Elisha said, "Call her." So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. Elisha said, "At this time next spring, you will hold a baby boy in your arms." The woman became pregnant and had a son at that time next year2Ki 4:15-17(GW). Even though it was in her house, and Gehazi was there she stayed at the doorway and received her blessing.

Kai! Na wah o, Mommy these are modern times!

 Modern times with ancient sins. These things happened to them as a warning to us. All this was written in the Scriptures to teach us who live in these last days. Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 1Co 10:11, 12(CEV) Follow the example of godly women.