Some of the greatest stories of faith are those of people whose names are not known.  One of these is a woman who is called ‘the Shunammite’.  This is not her name, it simply identifies her as a woman from Shunem.  Yet her story, found in 2 Kings 4, is truly amazing.

The prophet Elisha often passed through her village, and she would invite him, along with his servant Gehazi, to her home for a meal.  Hospitality is something God values.

 

However there is something more we can learn from this woman.  Just as she welcomed Elisha, she was welcoming the Lord into her life and family.  Elisha’s name means, ‘God is Saviour’.  This is the first step each of us needs to make;  to invite the Lord Jesus into our lives as Saviour.

 

The woman didn’t only invite Elisha occasionally though, she urged him to come everytime he passed by. Finally she said to her husband, “Let’s make a small room on top of our home.  Then Elisha can stay whenever he wants.”

 

This took place long before Jesus was born and the Holy Spirit was given to believers.  At that time the Spirit of God primarily moved through the prophets.  By welcoming Elisha to stay she was making room for the presence of God to come and remain in her midst, in the best way she knew how.

 

If we desire God to move in our lives, to know his presence and power in a greater way, then we need to invite him.  Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; they shall be filled.”  As we continue to look at this remarkable woman, whose name is not known, we will see how God moved powerfully in response to her faith and obedience.  And it all began by making room for the Lord.  We can do that too!