Simple Faith

“Naaman was furious . . . ‘Behold, I thought, “He will surely . . . call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.”’ . . . He went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan . . . and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean.”
2 Kings 5:11-14 NASB

Although Naaman was a “mighty warrior,” he must have felt anything but “mighty.” In fact, after developing leprosy, he felt helpless. Desperate for a cure, he followed the recommendation of his wife’s servant, and turned to Elisha. But this warrior became angry when the prophet told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. It didn’t matter that Elisha promised that, if he obeyed, he would be clean.

Naaman seemed to think that Elisha would do something dramatic, so the idea of dipping in the Jordan made no sense to him. But his servants argued, “If the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it?” Why would he not follow the simple command to “Wash, and be clean”? Convinced, Naaman obeyed. When he did, he was healed instantly.

Just like Naaman, it can be hard simply to obey and trust God, and act on faith. How natural it can seem to be skeptical, to doubt that His Word is true, that His power is real. It can seem unrealistic to believe that we just need to obey Him and put His Word into action. But the Bible tells us that He rewards those who have this kind of childlike faith.

Today, turn to God with the problems you face with childlike simplicity. Don’t argue with Him or hold back. Trust in Him completely. And don’t be afraid to step out in faith. Commit your needs to Him, and receive His mighty power.

Prayer: Father, I commit these needs to You: _____. I lay aside my pride, prejudices, and preconceived ideas. I will obey You and trust in You. I praise and worship You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.