Michelle McKinney Hammond explores contentment through the life of the Shunammite woman in her new book, How to be happy where you are.
The story of the Shunammite women comes from 2 Kings. This woman had a good life, but she harbored bitterness in her heart because she was not able to bear a child. Then, the prophet Elijah comes to her town and she invites him to stay in her house. She provides a space and meals for him whenever he is traveling through the area. Once at a meal Elijah prophesied that she would have a child. She has a son, but as a toddler the son becomes sick and dies. The Shunammite woman finds Elijah and he brings the child back to life.
“It is an amazing story from beginning to end of God blessing when we trust him completely.”
God put this story on Michelle’s heart and revealed to her that like the Shunammite woman, many women around the world are waiting on God to fulfill their hopes and dreams. According to Michelle, God reminded her that he knows her heart but also that his plan is different than our plans.
Sometimes God’s plan is to address something that we aren’t ready to confront yet. However, if we want to live contented and live God’s way, we have to be willing to confess and examine our lives. God will wait to pour his blessing out until we are ready and willing to say, “Lord, I need you.”
And when we do, God is ready, willing and available. He welcomes his children with open arms, he is there to listen to our concerns and comfort us. He will wash away our tears, cleanse us with his word and restore us.
Key Scriptures: 2 Kings 4:8-37, 2 Kings 8:1-6, Philippians 4:12
