Unlikely Friendship: Speaking Over Old Promisesনমুনা

Have you ever thought about friendship when you read the Shunammite Woman’s story? We usually just mention her in conversations about faith, but this woman has so much more to teach us.

The first thing I notice about her is that the Shunammite Woman’s ability to recognize whom she should befriend and welcome into her home flowed from the intimacy she enjoyed with the Lord.

The Shunammite Woman lived during the reign of King Joram, who was King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s son, and even though he wasn’t as evil as his parents, there were still a lot of false prophets roaming around under his rule.

Elisha, however, stood out among the prophets, and the Shunammite Woman noticed it. I can only believe that her ability to recognize this man of God was a direct result of the intimacy she enjoyed with the Lord. After all, it would take a true woman of God to grow intent on honoring one of His prophets in the middle of a culture that actively promoted the opposite.

But the same is true of her. Elisha also noticed her integrity, and though he resisted her invitation to have a meal in her home at first, he eventually accepted it.

Godly friendship flows from the intimacy and integrity we cultivate in the Lord’s presence.

As time passed, the Shunammite Woman told her husband she wanted to build an addition to their house for the prophet. Her husband agreed, and they renovated their house and added a room, complete with furniture so that Elisha could have a comfortable place to rest during his travels.

Did you catch that?

Her ability to bless the Kingdom of God flowed from the integrity and intimacy she enjoyed because her husband could trust her wisdom.

Whether you're married, have children, or are simply living by yourself, I believe the Lord wants us to grow more intimately with Him in every way. When we do, unity and sensitivity to how the Spirit is moving can flow from that place.

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways do you feel the Lord leading you to develop greater integrity?
2. Who in your life could benefit from your friendship in this season?

Prayer

Father God,

I have an intense desire to grow more intimately with You in every way. I want to be so sensitive to Your Holy Spirit that I surrender to Your will without hesitation, even when it presents an opportunity to be inconvenienced.

I ask that You help me to reflect on the ways I can develop greater integrity. I want others to recognize that it is You who is speaking to and through me when I share an opportunity You’ve impressed on my heart. I thank You for giving me friendships that bless the Kingdom of God. In Your Holy Name I pray, Jesus, amen.