The Great woman of Shunem

2kings 4:8 "And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread."

Here are a few observations about this great woman

She was generous, " she constrained him to eat bread

She was perceptive, "she perceived this was a man of God"

She was proactive, she petitioned her husband to build a permeant place of rest form the prophet.

She was contented with her life, when asked what she wanted in return for her generosity, she answered "I am content to dwell among my own people"

She had a open handed approach to life...

Financially well off, yet, She had the heart of a servant.


She did not use her own situation as a cloak to treat others with contempt or disregard.


She was a great woman not because her life was wonderful, but because of the decisions she made.


Here are a few reasons she could of been discontented.

She was married to an old man. She was more than likely a young wife of an old man. This was a common practice for that time and place. An arranged marriage, to an old, inattentive, husband.

She had no children, " the barren womb is never satisfied". She could of vexed her husband and damaged her home life. Venting her anger and frustration on all that she met.

That her husband was less than she is obvious...
* She perceived this was a man of God
* She prepared the place for the man of God
* She cared for the man of God
* His child died and he never slacked in his labors
* " why are you calling on the man of God"

Her husband was a continual source of frustration and disappointment..

This moment is one of the most telling in this narrative...
*Her child is dead
*Her husband is preoccupied and unconcerned

This would be the perfect time to release years for frustration and pent up emotions.

This would be the perfect time to belittle and berate him for his total lack of comprehension!

She did none of these thing, she choose to be great!

This was a great woman...
Not because her life was easy
But because of the choices she made in her life

Here are a few descriptive terms for this woman:

She was: Caring, compassionate, giving, humble, contented, persistent, faithful, merciful, generous, and thankful.

She was not:
Angry, bitter, resentful, milipitive, abuseive, resentful, or self centered

All of these things are a choice

She was a great woman because of the choices she made

Thank you for reading. I challenge you to look higher than your circumstances and choose to become all God has called you to be. Be great! There is grace to help in the time of need.

Lm





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad