Kindness brings Breakthrough

2 Kings  4:9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.  

4:10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

Kindness is  the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care are words that are associated with kindness.

Our text today is the story of a Shunammite woman, who was able to notice Elisha the prophet passing by her house to Shunem for ministration.

She first offered him food whenever he's going back after ministration, this continued for some time but she is still not comfortable, she pressed further to have a room prepared for him that perhaps ministration could be tiring so he could take a day or two rest before going back.  What a heart of kindness..

Note:

1. This woman is barren without a child, she was not looking for miracle, she never approached Elisha to pray for her so she can have a child.

2. After few time of giving Elisha food, she was able to discern Elisha to be a holy man of God...  She didn't rush into helping, she was able to understand if Elisha was fake or real man of God... That shows she is a faithful woman who knows God personally and could recognise His faithful servants. 

3. She first took counsel from her husband before taking any step, and her husband agreed. That shows love, unity and faith between the couple.

After lodging the man of God for some time, it came to pass a day that Elisha wish to return favour... Remember it was not the direction of God... There are many things we can do as man even if it is not commanded by God...  "for He said, decree a thing, and it shall be established" 

Gehazi was able to notice there is no child running around, so he believe this woman must be barren...  Note that this woman doesn't expose her home to the man of God, even when Elisha happens to be a holy man of God. 

Elisha prayed for a child, and it was so, she received a child she didn't pray for... She didn't go to the mountain to pray, neither did she run after Elisha to pray for a child, but her heart of kindness brings breakthrough. 

She first noticed God in the life of the man of God before the man of God noticed her problem, and God took it away because of her kindness. 

The solution to your problem may not be forty days fasting and prayer, but a little kindness to someone.. 

Many times God would put it in your heart to help someone, but you have refused, so also God has refused you some blessing you have prayed for or you didn't pray for. 

Kindness is not only limited to men of God, what about your neighbours, people around you, people in your church, at your place of work, your school mates etc... How have you helped in your little way? 

I say again, prayer is not the only way to breakthrough and God's blessing... Kindness is one way.. 

The Shunamite woman did what she can afford, the scripture acknowledged that she was a great woman... She can afford a room, and provisions enough for two adults... 

It is not until you have much, in your little way, show kindness.. It may be buying cloth not expensive for someone who has not, or giving ride to someone God place in your heart  while driving.. 

In so many ways we can show kindness... Many are afraid if their kindness will not backfire... Remember, the woman knows God, she could discern, and it was placed in her heart... It didn't backfire for her... If it is placed in your heart, do it as God as given you grace.. 

Kindness may be the solution to your present problem. 

Be kindhearted. 

God bless you. 

Prayer key:

1. Lord thank you for the blessing of another day in Jesus Christ name. 

2. Lord, help me to be kind to everyone in Jesus Christ name. 

3. Lord, let me not miss my blessings in kindness in Jesus Christ name. Amen. 

4. Thank you for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. amen.