Have you ever prayed about a situation with a preconceived
idea of how God should answer? I have. When He doesn't answer my prayer the way
I think He should, I have to admit I'm not thrilled. Flesh and spirit wrestle -
engaged in a battle that has been fought throughout the ages.
Remember Naaman? He was the captain of the host of the king
of Syria. He held this impressive position in spite of his physical condition -
he was a leper. Several forms of leprosy were highly contagious and, for the
most part, incurable. Naaman's prognosis was not good.
But there was hope. Naaman's wife had a young servant girl
who knew someone who could help Naaman. The prophet, Elisha. Naaman wasted no
time travelling to Elisha's house. I'm sure he knocked on the door in anticipation
- eager to stand before the prophet and receive healing. But Elisha didn't open
the door, a messenger stood in his place.
The messenger issued instructions for Naaman to go wash in
the Jordan River seven times, and he would be cured of his leprosy. Naaman's
response? "But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I
thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the
Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are
not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of
Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?" (2 Kings 5:11; KJV).
Pride got the best of Naaman. A man of his rank bathing in
the Jordan River? Surely there was a better way! As he stalked back to his
chariot in a rage, his servants tried to get him to see reason, "My
father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have
done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"
(2 Kings 5:13).
The instructions WERE simple. Dipping seven times in the
Jordan River couldn't hurt. Maybe he WOULD give it a try. Each time he
disappeared below the muddy waters, his hope grew. The seventh time he came up
from the water, his eyes grew large with amazement - he was healed!
If Naaman had persisted in his pride, he would still be a
leper without hope. Instead, he made the decision to humble himself, follow the
simple instructions, and be cured of his disease. Most importantly, he put his
faith in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:15).
I can be just like Naaman, thinking I know the best way for
the God of heaven to answer my prayers. My pride can get the best of me. But
when I recall that He is the Creator and I'm His creation, humility follows. I
remember that His ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts are higher than
my thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).
Do you struggle with God's answers to your prayers? What
step will you take today to walk in humility and not allow pride to get the
best of you?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that
your answers to my prayers are best. Forgive me when I respond in pride. Help
me remember the story of Naaman and humble myself and truly seek your will for
my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!
I've been leading a Bible study over the past few weeks, and last week's lesson was on the very thing. We think we know better that the God of the Universe (and I say "we" because I'm one of the worst!) when we need to put our pride aside and trust Him!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you, Melissa! Don't you love it when the Lord brings the same lesson to light a few times through different means? He knows the value of repetition! God bless you with a week full of trusting Him!
DeleteI love the story of Naaman. I've heard it told with conviction and also with humor (his initial reaction at going into muddy water, that type of thing). If we but humble ourselves, look how God stretches forth His hand to help!
ReplyDeleteHi Brandi! You got it right - humbling ourselves is key. Was just reading a few chapters in Ezekiel today and was touched by God's patience with the children of Israel. He continually warned them that judgment was coming, in order to give them a chance to humble themselves and repent. Of course they didn't - and had to experience His judgment and bear the consequences of their sins. I'm just as guilty today. So thankful for the opportunity to humble myself and see God's outstretched hand of mercy! Hugs and blessings!
DeleteThis is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. God teaches us so much through repetition and plain old blind faith. I had forgotten that Naaman was a prominent figure in his environment. This reminds me that nobody is exempt from challenges but we're all called to receive by faith. Good stuff and thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sherry! Great point that Naaman was a prominent figure and that all of us face challenges. Following through on what God would have us do, does require faith. So grateful for a patient Heavenly Father whose mercies are new every morning! Have a blessed week, my friend!
DeleteOh so true, we have a tendency to tell God what to do and how we would like it to be done :) How silly.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Maria, you're keeping us on the edge, as always.
Great to see you, Marja! We are a pretty presumptuous people, right?! I always shake my head when I read about the attitudes of the children of Israel - until I realize I'm SO much like them. Glad God's truth allows us to overcome. Hugs & Blessings!
DeleteWhen it comes to writing and getting an agent, I had preconceived ideas about what God was going to do. And yes, I was disappointed when it didn't happen my way--at first. I've learned to trust that what He does, when He does it is always in my best interest and timing is everything. Love the story of Naaman. Wonderful post, Maria!
ReplyDeleteHi Jess! I hear you when it comes to writing. I'm in the midst of edits prior to submitting my book proposal and I'm getting frustrated with how long it's taking - I just want to get it done! But I also want what I submit to be the best it can be, so I have to be content to take the next step in the process and not get in a rush. Can you relate?! Thanks for 'listening' and thanks for your encouragement! Hugs & Blessings~
DeleteOh yeah! I do believe I'm in the midst of struggling. Naaman is one of my favorite stories, too--thanks for reminding me of it! I'm not sure if it's pride so much right now as a desire to do things my way, because, you know, I KNOW so much better than God-HA! I need those daily reminders and nudges to place it all back in His hands and then FOLLOW in obedience!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Susan! I can totally relate to your comment. My thing right now is impatience. I just want to submit my book proposal for closure. Following in obedience IS crucial. Keep reminding myself to do what I'm doing "heartily, as to the Lord..." (Col. 3:23) - I want what I submit to represent my very best effort! God bless you, my friend!
DeleteRaising my hand!! Struggling, struggling, struggling. Door are opening left and right. I'm walking through but nothing is happening!
ReplyDeleteWaiting on His timing is SO hard. Thanks for the encouragement today. Your will Lord, not mine...
Welcome to Life Lessons, April! I appreciate your transparency. I'm right there with you! Sometimes it feels like 'hurry up and wait.' But I know there's a purpose and a plan, and God's timing is never late. Be encouraged and have a blessed week!
DeleteSometimes my preconceived ideas get in the way of seeing the answer to prayer.
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of the story of the man sitting on his roof during a flood. He prayed God would rescue him. A boat came along, and he refused. A helicopter came along, and he refused. He ended up dying and going to heaven. "Why didn't you rescue me, Lord?" The Lord shook His head. "I sent a boat and a helicopter!"