In examining the life of the Shunammite woman as recorded in 1 Kings 4:8-37, the thoughts that came to my mind is that she was a woman who was well groomed to be god-fearing, a good wife, hospitable, respectful, industrious and so much more. Many people focus on the fact that she was barren initially, but there was so much more to her character that brought the blessings of God right to her doorstep. It is not the amount of time you spend in Church or doing other charitable activities that will draw the supernatural blessings of God. We cannot bribe God with our service. Serving Him must come from a deep love and desire to please Him.

See Yourself as a Great Person. We cannot be beggarly in our approach to life. The Story of the Shunammite woman opens up to let us know that she was a notable woman. Every child of God has the seed of greatness in them. It is the character of a person that sometimes determines how far they can go. Some grab attention by putting down other people but it fizzles out after a season. When Elisha asked her what she would like in return for her hospitality, her reply was that, “I dwell among my own people” In other words, I don’t really need anything from you, I am a blessed woman and I am not greedy. I came across this quote which resonates with the word of God. “Many people desire greatness, but are unaware that it is only attainable through a tireless effort to make others great”(Alex Nosa Ihama)  The Gospel of Matthew in the Bible, Chapter 23:11-12 states, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant, and whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted”

Be Submissive To Your Husband. The Shunammite woman’s name was not mentioned but her actions spoke volumes. Elisha, a powerful Prophet of God experienced her generosity and fear of God when she offered to prepare a place for him to lodge in whenever he passed through Shunem. Two things stand out in my mind here concerning the offer to Elisha. First is that she did not make the decision on her own. She carried her husband along. In verse 10 of 1 Kings 4, she approached her husband and said, “Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table, and a chair and a lamp stand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there” In spite of her wealth and influence, she was still submissive to the authority of her husband. It also shows that the atmosphere in her home was conducive for hospitality, that is peaceful. Many homes are like a war zone. It is impossible for the blessings of God to flow freely into such a place. As a wife, do not embark on a major project without informing your husband. Let 1Peter 3:1-7 be the road map for your marriage.

Pride goes before a fall. The book, ‘I See Rude People’ by Amy Alkon explores how Americans are becoming ruder. It seems as if all the traditional courtesy of dealing with one another has gone with the wind! You see young people address their elders with total disrespect and some adults look on and say things like ‘that is the spirit of this age’  You had better take authority and cast out that spirit! Many people miss their blessings because of attitude problems. As with the Shunammite woman whose generosity touched the man of God, so much so that it placed a demand upon his anointing, and so it was with the Canaanite woman in Matthew15:21-28. She put her pride aside when her daughter needed deliverance and Jesus told her that what she needed was food for the children, she not being a Jew. Her reply was, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table” She was rewarded for her faith and humility.

Giving Selflessly will earn you the favor of God. According to Suze Orman, a financial advisor on TV, “A powerful woman gives to herself as much as she gives of herself” The Shunammite woman did not allow her need for a child which is every woman’s desire, to disturb the flow of blessings from her to others. One of the purposes for working is so that we can have to give to those who have a need. Ephesians 4:28 states, “Let him who stole, steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” She could have chosen to ignore the need of Elisha, but her actions made her to find favor with God. One of the points that resonated with me recently when I was in Citadel of God Almighty Cathedral, Bronx, New York recently was a situation concerning the Shunammite woman that was dramatized by the women ministry. In the drama, a neighbor came to visit the Shunammite woman and told her about a man of God who was in town (we know that many people run from one revival to the other seeking miracles). The neighbor, out of her concern for her childless state informed her that this man was performing so many miracles and that people were flocking there and that it could take months before one can actually see him. After their discussion, it was discovered that this same miracle worker is the one residing in the Shunammite woman’s house which means that she has direct access to him – no waiting on any long line.

Don’t turn your blessings away by your bad attitude! Some people develop such great conflict with people who are divinely appointed to be of great blessings in their lives that they miss that appointed time for a breakthrough. I say appointed time because our God is a merciful Father. He can still bless even after your unfaithfulness, but why wait for five, ten or twenty years when you can get your breakthrough now. Hebrews 13:1 states “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” Today is your miracle day!

Grace Eledan is Pastor Leaders Church Intl. and the founder of Women Aflame Intl., a friendship network, intercession ministry and charity organization mentoring and mobilizing women to be more productive in their spheres of influence. She can be reached on (718) 503-2580 or www.womenaflame.org Also follow us on Face book.  Intercessory line open every Monday night from 9pm-10pm & Thursday morning 5am-6am on (712) 432-0800 Access code 330528#.