Our River or God’s River?

“‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.’ But Naaman became furious . . . ‘Are not . . . the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?’ So he turned and went away in a rage.”
2 Kings 5:10-12 NKJV

As commander of the armies of Syria, Naaman knew how to lead troops. He expected obedience, and wanted others to do things his way. Facing a serious health problem, he certainly displayed the same attitude. He had his own ideas, and his own expectations.

When he heard what Elisha proposed as a solution to his health concerns, Naaman was surprised and even angry. It seemed like a simple command: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times.” Elisha promised that if he obeyed, he would be healed.

But Naaman “became furious,” particularly because of the choice of rivers: He felt that the rivers of Damascus were better than those in Israel. He could not understand why he needed to go to Israel. In fact, he wanted to choose the river. He wanted a river that was familiar to him and part of his tradition.

But eventually, Naaman obeyed. When he did, he was healed. And it was because he did things God’s way and washed in His river.

Like Naaman, we can want to choose the “rivers” for our own lives. We find it easier to follow our tradition or lifestyle, and do things that seem more familiar.

But God wants us to learn to do things His way. This can be challenging. We may resist Him, and insist on doing things that make sense to us. But the real key to blessing is when we obey Him, and trust Him. In fact, He pours out His blessings on those who obey Him unconditionally. Who walk by faith!

Prayer: Father, forgive me for wanting to do things my way. Help me to obey You in my life. I want to follow You. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.