Sometimes God has a plan that is nothing like our expectations. If only we would trust Him, but instead we think we know what He should do. Learn how God just might do things in a completely different way than you expect!
Meet Naaman, the Commander of the Army of the King of Syria, a valiant soldier and highly regarded by the King. Naaman was wealthy and respected by everyone; he had prestige and servants, and he lived in grand style. I’m sure he had the best clothes, a beautiful home, and (you get the picture). Oh, he did have one little problem. He had leprosy.
His wife had her own personal servant girl, of course. Fortunately for Naaman, she was an Israelite. Even though she had been captured by a band of Syrian raiders, this little girl had compassion for her master.
She said to her mistress,
“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:3
Naaman reported this to the king. The king, anxious to see his best general cured of this egregious disease, sent Naaman to the King of Israel.
“So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing.” 2 Kings 5:5 NLT
Naaman expected the King to cure him of his leprosy, but that is not what God had in mind. In fact, when the King of Israel discovered what Naaman wanted, he panicked, thinking the King of Syria was trying to pick a fight. (See how this is not going as expected?)
When Elisha, the prophet, heard about this, he sent for Naaman. So Naaman gathered his entourage, his horses and chariots, and paraded to Elisha’s door.
Naaman must have thought pretty highly of himself, making a grand arrival with all those horses and chariots, and lots of money. But Elisha doesn’t even bother to come out and greet him! Instead, Elisha sends out a messenger who says,
“Go wash yourself in the Jordan River seven times.” 2 Kings 5:10
Naaman expected the Prophet of God to dramatically wave his hands in the air and call on his God to cure him in some spectacular display. But once again, he did not get what he expected.
Naaman expected to be treated with honor and respect, and when he was insulted, he refused to do what Elisha said and stomped off in a rage.
I know what you’re thinking: What!? How can Naaman be so stubborn? Doesn’t he want to be cured?
But don’t we do the same thing? We pray for something, but it isn’t answered the way we expect. So we think our prayer isn’t being answered at all. Or, maybe we don’t like the way it is being answered.
It isn’t surprising that Naaman got angry. The Jordan River is a dirty, muddy river. You wouldn’t want to bathe in it either, especially if we tend to think rather highly of ourselves. (Ouch!)
Only after his servants convince him, does Naaman agree to go and dip himself in the dirty river. When he followed God’s plan, he was completely cured, and his skin became like that of a young boy. Things turned out even better than he expected!
Naaman exclaimed,
“Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” (v 15)
And he vowed to never worship any other god but the Lord.
Read the whole story of Naaman in 2 Kings chapter 5. (There’s a lot more to the story!)
And remember: God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the way we are expecting!
In His Love, Cindy
To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”
Psalm 122:6 NASB
All Scripture from the NIV unless stated otherwise.
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