Obedience

Naaman was offended – even angry. This powerful general from Syria thought Elisha could heal him of leprosy, but he had preconceived ideas of how he thought this healing would take place.

Naaman expected that Elisha would meet him and “wave his hand” over the affected areas (v. 11). But Elisha didn’t even meet Naaman in person, only sending a messenger. Then, Naaman seemed shocked when he heard Elisha’s message: He told Naaman to dip seven times in the Jordan River!

Puzzled, Naaman felt that, if he was going to dip in any river, it should be one of the rivers of Damascus, which were “better than all the waters of Israel” (v. 12). He stubbornly refused until, finally, his servants convinced him to obey. And when he did, he was completely healed!

For this miracle to take place, Naaman had to trust God’s servant and realize that God often does things that we may not expect. He can ask us to do things that may not make sense to our minds. But what is important is our faith and willingness to believe and obey Him even when we don’t understand.

What are your expectations about God? Have you placed any limits on Him? Do you really believe that He will answer your prayers? Don’t let doubt or preconceived ideas keep you from receiving God’s miracle power. Stand on His Word. Obey Him. Trust Him. And be willing to believe.