In the message “God’s Provision” we saw that our limited faith often restricts our prayers and therefore limits what God accomplishes in our life. Many times we fail to even ask because we’re fearful of a negative response; “You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). Then there are times when God answers but our limited faith refuses to accept His solution. We have God’s response but we never take the steps to follow His direction.
Naaman was the army commander of a kingdom northeast of Israel. He was a very successful soldier, but he had been afflicted with leprosy. At the suggestion of one of his servant girls, Naaman traveled to the home of the prophet Elisha so he might be cured.
2 Kings 5:10-12
“Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’ But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?’ So he turned and went off in a rage.”
Naaman was an important and proud man. He was offended when Elisha sent a messenger who told him to wash in the dirty Jordan! Naaman thought he had wasted his time, but one of his servants stated a simple yet profound truth: “If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” (2 Kings 5:13).
Naaman made the decision to obey. He dipped himself seven times in the Jordan river and came out of the water completely cured.
How often does our limited faith or pride keep us from being “cured”? We ask God to heal the broken areas of our life, and He says; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength” (Mark 12:30). But in our abundance of “wisdom,” we conclude there must be more – some “great thing” which will heal or give our life meaning. We pray again, and God simply replies; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
Today we will make a choice. We will choose our own path, which allows our “disease” to spread, or we will put aside our pride, follow God’s direction and be cleansed. True healing can only begin with the free gift of forgiveness through faith in Jesus. A life of purpose can only be found as we seek to glorify God in all we do. Let’s receive His gift and live a life of loving obedience as we trust Him with ALL our heart. Let’s praise Him with every step and receive a complete cure.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Apr 2 Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30; Luke 9:51-10:12; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 12:11
Apr 3 Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19; Luke 10:13-37; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 12:12-14
Apr 4 Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26; Luke 10:38-11:13; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 12:15-17
Apr 5 Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Luke 11:14-36; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 12:18
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Thank you so much for your devotionals. I gain so much from them! God’s continued blessings to you, your family, and your ministry!
Dear Sir,
I trust you are well. Thank you for the daily devotions.
I’m from South Africa, you always post a word “in season”.
Thank our father above for using you. Our country is going through a lot right now, however I know God spoke about the end times a long time ago. So regardless of who is president Jesus is king.
God bless you and your family. One day I would love to meet you.
Regards
Davin The-kisho