Naaman was a mighty man of valor and had won many battles, but one battle he could not win, was the battle against his leprosy. He could not heal himself. It took a little servant girl from Israel to bring him hope. She said that there was a prophet in Israel that could cure him.
Even though Naaman was not a believer in the God of Israel, he was desperate enough to seek for this prophet that could bring healing to his body. He brought money, clothes and his fame with him to present before the prophet Elisha. His hope was in who he was and what he had to offer.
Did all that Naaman had to "offer" impress Elisha? No, instead of meeting Naaman face-to-face, Elisha sent a servant to tell him what to do.
That must have pricked Naaman's pride. He was a "self-made" man, rich and powerful. Why was Elisha sending a lowly servant instead of coming himself? In his prideful state, Naaman didn't even realize that God was the one who placed him in authority and had given him victory in his battles. All Naaman had was because God had given it to him in the first place.
Not only did Elisha "injure" Naaman's pride, by not meeting him; his answer to Naaman's problem was;dip yourself into the river seven times and you will be healed. That was adding insult to injury!
What a simple answer. Naaman was offended;couldn't he go wash in a river in his country that was better than the Jordan !? Naaman didn't want a simple answer that did not line up with the way he thought God should heal him. He wanted to see Elisha do some exciting and marvelous healing, right there and right now!
Naaman almost lost out on receiving healing because of his pride. Thankfully, his wise servant, said to give it a try. Naaman obeyed the word of the Lord and washed himself seven times in the Jordan river and was healed. That day he learned humility and obedience. God healed him and Naaman put his trust in the Lord.
Often God does not work in my life in a way that I expect. The way that he works most in my
life; is bringing me to a place of letting go of my expectations and humbling myself before him. He asks me to
trust and obey him, even though I may not understand his plan. As I humble myself
before the Lord, I see him work in ways on my behalf that overwhelm me and fill me with gratitude and praise. When I let go and let God do the work in my heart and life that needs to be done; I
receive his grace and mercy and He gets the glory and praise.
(Dear Father, Precious Lord Jesus, help me to trust you. May I humble myself before you and I as I obey your word, may I see how you work you good and perfect will for my life. All the glory, honor, and praise to you. Amen)
No comments:
Post a Comment