Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The Shunammite Woman
Sometimes, you will be surprised by what you get. Life, after all, has its surprises. This is the case of the Shunammite woman in the bible and the prophet Elisha (II Kings 4:8-37).
This scripture tells the story of an encounter between a wealthy woman and Elisha. This woman is identified as the Shunammite woman, and Elisha is a well-known prophet of Israel. Her character suggests that she was a discerning woman. She noticed that the man of God, Elisha, and his servant Gehazi would benefit from a place to stay. They traveled back and forth on their way to Mount Carmel, a place of prayer. With the blessing of her husband, they provided the men of God, free shelter.
In a state of Peaceful Happiness
In the story, Elisha was deeply blessed by the woman’s hospitality. He asked how he could return the favor shown to them. Twice, Elisha inquired as how he could be of service. The woman insisted that there was no need of such a favor, demonstrating, a servant’s heart to do for others and not for self. In other words, “I am content.”
Gehazi, when asked of Elisha, revealed that the woman and her husband had no children. Her husband was considerably older than she was. Firstly, in their culture, children were considered a blessing and inheritance to parents. Elisha prophesied to the woman that she would have a son child (found in verses 16 through 17). As Elisha prophesied, they did conceive at the time he had said.
A Loss
The story continues in telling how the young child fell sick one day and died (verses 18 through 28). She said to her husband, “Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.”
The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!” His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.
An Unexpected Turn
Over the years, I have gained much from this scripture. But the Holy Spirit, in this season, led me to think on verse 28 – “Did I desire a son of my Lord? Did I not say, “Do not deceive me.” In other words, she was asking Elisha, “Did I ask for this?” To sum it up, this unexpected turn of events was not because of my request.
A Personal Reflection – Elisha and the Shunammite Woman
If I had desired this of you, then perhaps, I could have stood the outcome better. But because I did not ask this of you, why did I have to go through this pain of having a child? Then, losing my child! Truly this must have been an unimaginable, unexplainable pain for this woman!
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations that cause us to reflect and wonder “why am I going through this?” Whatever the reason, it gets your attention. Ultimately, you reason that the all-knowing Heavenly Father knows what is best for you. Not only can He give you the desires of your heart, but He is able to turn the unexpected into a blessing and favor you!
Life consists of many pathways; but only one pathway leads to God for eternal life – the pathway of righteousness. Thousands of years later, this woman’s joy and pain still brings hope. Her faith in God continues to bless the lives of many.
Reflectively, I ask you, “Is the pain greater than the pleasure?” If so, you have an advocate in God who wants to heal you. Who among us desires pleasures over pain?
What are Our Choices?
Pointedly, there is no indication that the Shunammite woman wished that her child had not been born. Comparatively, you may not have asked for your situation, but it is part of your journey. For example, you receive an unexpected job promotion. By accepting the position, you also agree to the challenges that come with it. Dutifully, you have a commitment to finish the course. Thus, how do you handle unexpected turns….
Again, Faith as the Shunammite Woman
Reclaim the measure of faith that you do have. The Shunammite woman is an example to believe by faith. It was not her riches or wealthy status by which she is still called a faithful servant. Believe when you do not ask for it, that it is a blessing beyond yourself.
On the other hand, are you one who is running from a call to serve? The reason these verses stood out to me personally was because it made me reflect upon my choices. I grew tired of “running from my call to ministry.” I had to give up and say, “God, I will do what you want.” As His child, run into your calling. It is through our experiences that we gain testimonies about the greatness and goodness of our Lord. It is to His glory.
She ran to the “man of God” and inquired. Today, I say to you, run to God and say, “Take the lead, Dear God.”
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Would you like to share this story with little children? Listen to Lessons from the story of the Shunammite Woman | Bible Stories (youtube.com)
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