“But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.’ … So he turned and went off in a rage.” — 2 Kings 5:11-12
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In 2 Kings 5:9-13, we see an afflicted (and rich) man, Naaman, seek out the prophet Elisha to be healed of his skin disease. Elisha sent a servant to meet him and tell him to immerse himself in the Jordan River seven times and his skin would be healed and good as new. “But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.’ … So he turned and went off in a rage” (vv. 11-12).
How often have we acted like Naaman? We sought God for an answer and then got mad at God for His solution. This illustrates how individuals can struggle with pride and expectations, often complicating situations that could be resolved with humility and faith. The lesson of Naaman teaches the value of dying to our own expectations, trusting what God is asking us to do, and following through humbly and graciously. What could we avoid if we just trusted God’s plan more than we trusted our plan for God?
God is not the problem, we are. He could say to us, “It’s not Me, it’s you.” He is faithful, straightforward, unchanging, detailed and deliberate. Stop making things so hard for yourself and just do what He tells you to do.
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:1-2).
— Fleceia Comeaux, Houston Dash chaplain
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