Naaman – wanting to be healed – looked for his healing. He traveled to the prophet Elisha, was given specific and simple instructions for his healing but could not get over the fact that he was not treated special. Naaman could not get over that he was not acknowledged publicly nor was his lavished gifts received with exaggerated appreciation. Lastly, Naaman could not get past the idea that his healing would take place in an inconvenient location, a dirty river that was about 32 miles away (2 Kings 5:9-12).
Some of us are missing the opportunity to get our healing and our breakthrough. We are rejecting the chance to receive our blessings. Some of us have unanswered prayers because of our pride. We think God should do it another way; or worse, God’s way is inconveniencing us. Maybe it’s not happening the way we want it to happen, so we miss out on something wonderful from God since we’re expecting Him to do it a certain way.
Elisha, the Prophet of God, knew that Naaman had to be humbled before he could be healed. However, Naaman did not want to release his control. Why? He was used to having it! He was the commander of the army! And when it was time to surrender that power and control, Naaman struggled with relinquishing them.
Naaman was about to miss his only chance to be healed, but God used meek servants to give wise counsel to a haughty man.
13 But his servants caught up with him and said, “Father, if the prophet had asked you to do something hard and heroic, wouldn’t you have done it? So why not this simple ‘wash and be clean’?” (2 Kings 5:13, MSG)
Beloved, God sends godly counsel to help us get back on track, to help us do what’s right. He speaks to us through His Word, a pastor, a friend, even a child, an unusual mouthpiece. God can use anybody and anything to get our attention, to help guide us in making the right decision.
Naaman finally submitted to the Word of the Lord and received his miraculous healing.
14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. 15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. (2 Kings 5:14-15, NIV)
My sister, are you struggling with relinquishing your will, your control? Has your stubborn attitude clouded your perception of truly seeing what God wants to do through you and for you? Are you having a hard time obeying God’s direction because you’re too arrogant to submit to His authority? Are you struggling to trust God at His Word?
Beloved, let go of your pride. God is ready to do a miraculous work in your life, but your ego is standing in the way. My sister, open your eyes and ears to see and hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to you. Let’s humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God and submit to His Lordship (Jam. 4:10).
Instead of spending our time trying to figure out God’s next move or trying to convince ourselves that we know what’s best, let us simply trust the Master and obey His Word.
My friend, let’s walk in freedom together and impact our world!
Your sis,
Rhovonda
It’s Wednesday, Hump Day! Here’s our biblical principle to help us get over the hump.
6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say,
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
JAMES 4:6, NIV