We have discovered some key qualities about this great woman from Shunem. She is perceptive, persistent, devoted, and willing. She is ready to receive the man of God at any time. And now he is here, in her home, in her midst. What does he do? He responds to her willing service by offering to do something in return.
God notices our service. He also knows our hearts. Did God need to ask her what her need was? No. So why did He not just tell the prophet? God allows a simple question to reveal her pure motive. This was her chance to cash in on God, to get what she wanted. Her response? In essence, she said she needed nothing. You see, her desire had been fulfilled simply by the prophet’s presence in her life. His staying in the extra room was all she wanted. That was more than enough.Our deepest desire can and should be filled simply by His presence in our lives. He is enough. Let me say that again. He is enough.
So, she has a need — a deep, painful, personal need. Why did she not voice this? Isn’t this her chance? Perhaps she had unbelief. Or maybe this need didn’t occur to her. (I wouldn’t ask another man for a son!) Or could it be that she just wasn’t looking for anything? Whatever the reason, this observation by the servant Gehazi points out a glaring need — she was barren.
Am I saying today that we should never ask God for something? Is it wrong to petition God with our requests? No. The scripture teaches us to come to God with every need, expecting His care, trusting in His goodness. But we should take care to inspect our hearts. What is our motive?
This woman’s heart held no ulterior motives. One simple question revealed that. If we wondered what her pressing desire might have been for getting this prophet in her home, we can now see that she was not looking for fame, influence, money, or a child. She had a heart that wanted God.
We can be like this woman. Invite Him in, serve Him gladly, be fulfilled with His presence. We can seek His will above our own, submit to His hand in our lives, accept His way with faith, and desire His purpose. When we pray and ask according to these things, He is glorified in us and through us. His presence is readily seen in us. Let us be great women who seek Him and His presence in our lives.
Next week we will explore how God fills barrenness. He is a wonder-working God!
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