The Need of the Strong Woman

2 Kings 4:13-14

Then he (Elisha) said to Gehazi, “Say to her (Shunamite woman), ‘Look, you’ve gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?'” She answered, “I am living among my own people.” So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.”

As a prophet, Elisha was the voice of God to the people of Israel. The Shunamite woman was a prominent woman who had offered him hospitality when he visited her town. Her kindness and generosity toward Elisha met a huge need, and he wanted to do something for her. She was a strong woman living among her own people, and her outward needs were met. Elisha desired to do something for her, but he had to inquire and observe to find a real need in her. While she was married, her husband was old. When he died, she would be at the mercy of her family for survival, and she had no son to care for her as she aged. Chances were that she would not always exhibit the kind of strength she now possessed, so Elisha decided to provide for her future and promised her a son.

God looks deep into our hearts to meet needs others cannot see. He cares about our future, and He is already at work providing what we need. Elisha was God’s representative on earth at the time, and this Shunamite woman reached out to care for his needs. In return, Elisha provided for her future. When we take care of God’s needs in our strength, He will reach out and fill the areas of need in our weakness. He will meet the real longing inside of us and fill the desires that others don’t necessarily notice.

God knows the longing of your heart and how you have given to meet the needs of others. He knows where you are weak and your concerns for the future. Most importantly, however, He cares about you and desires to meet the deep needs of your heart that others just don’t notice. Don’t think for one minute that He doesn’t see your sacrifice or that He has forgotten you. He never forgets those who have reached out to others to offer kindness, generosity, or hospitality. These things are important to Him, and so are you. Just keep giving where you are called to give, and trust Him to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. You are highly favored and deeply loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and there is nothing He cannot do for you.

Have a blessed day!