Naaman was angry because the prophet Elisha wouldn’t even come out to speak to him, and he was a great, important man. Too many times I get caught up in my own importance, which is truly laughable because I’m not great, nor important, to anybody except maybe my family. Just like Naaman, I tend to stand there and sputter and fume about why I need to do such menial tasks.
So Naaman raced away in his chariot. Thankfully he had wise servants who helped him see how silly he was being and the result was that he went to the Jordan River. Did he quit when he saw no results after going under six times? If he had, he would’ve died a leper. Did he understand why it had be seven times? Did he moan about seven? Did he try to bargain it down to five? The Bible just says he dipped himself seven times as he was instructed to. Like Naaman, I don’t need to know why, I just need to obey, without moaning or bargaining.
For Naaman, it came down to complete obedience. He had faith, why else would he have undertaken such a long journey? But faith without obedience would have left him a leper. I have faith, but if I don’t obey God my faith will grow cold.
For the Christian, the secret to our spiritual growth lies in obedience. That means being faithful in the multitude of little things because it’s through obeying in the mundane and menial things, that we learn faithfulness for the bigger things. If I won't do the simple things my husband has asked me to do, things that make perfect sense to me, will I do the things God asks me to do--things that make no sense to me?
Even though I may start like Naaman did, fuming and raging because things aren’t going as I expected and because I’ve been asked to do some things that I don't want to do, I'm going to make sure I end like Naaman did: faithfully obeying.
Naaman's account is found in 2 Kings 5:1-14.
I was scrolling through my index recently and noticed this post--one of my early ones here at Patterings. It really snagged my attention, so I thought I'd post it again since it's something I needed hear.
We also have a winner today! Last week Darlene Franklin was with us and the winner of her new release, Wild West Christmas is Charity! Thanks so much for being with us, Darlene! It was a treat. =)
You posted this for ME, didn't you?? BOY did I need it - and I remembered it from before. A favorite (but I hate it cuz of what I have to do because of it LOL._.
ReplyDeleteI just "happen" to be teaching this story in my Sunday School lesson today! Thanks for reminding me of another truth to learn from it.
ReplyDeleteVonnie
I just "happen" to be teaching this story in my Sunday School lesson today! Thanks for reminding me of another truth to learn from it.
ReplyDeleteVonnie
Trust and obey, there really isn't any other way, as my adjusted version of the old hymn goes. God constantly tests me in this area and it shames me to say that often I hesitate, in spite of many years of seeing how faithful He is when I obey where I can't understand.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patty.
Obedience is a constant thing in my life that I struggle with. Just when I think I'm doing better at it I see where I haven't obeyed. But thank God for His love and mercy and compassion! Wowzers! Where would we be without it?
ReplyDeleteSo no, Joanne, I really did not post this just for you! LoL Vonnie, have fun teaching Namaan this morning! Isn't it neat how God works little thinkgs like this? =] And Lynda! It's so good to see you again!
Love you guys! =]
Thanks for this. I really needed to read these truths right now. In fact, I really need to read these truths every day!
ReplyDeleteMy problem is, I'm much better at reading than doing...
After all these years I have actually learned to almost love cooking, but I still hate housework! Especially knowing it will all have to be done again, and again... sigh. But I also know God simply calls me to do it, and He understands it is mundane and often goes unappreciated - yet He is content to leave it my responsibility, and chides me to self-control. I believe He uses it to build that endurance His word tells me I have need of... So, in His eyes it is worthwhile.
ReplyDelete