Daily Devotion, August 5, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Kings 5:1-14.

Naaman was an important general with a horrible disease, leprosy. Though he was in powerful circles, no one could offer any hope for his condition. A young slave girl from Israel, who believed in God’s power, shared where true hope was found. This slave girl told the good news of God to this leader who was tempted to think he could handle life on his own. She told him who to go see. Naaman needed to learn some humility from others.

Naaman was frustrated by the runaround he thought he was getting as he sought a cure for his leprosy. He'd gone to Israel with official letters to find the prophet Elisha. But Elisha was not available to perform the customary rites that a general like Naaman would expect from a holy man. Elisha sent instructions to Naaman, but that only made him angry. The Jordan River, where he was told to cleanse for the cure, was like a muddy creek to him. But this was no runaround, and Naaman was fortunate to have servants who loved him enough to point out that his pride was getting the better of him. When Naaman humbled himself and followed the prophet's instructions, he received the gift of healing in the Jordan River.

Sometimes we think God is giving us the runaround. It's amazing what God has in store for us when we don't let our pride stand in the way of obedience. Sacrifice your pride. Today God may wish to teach you a lesson of faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, we often think we know it all, but you have new faith lessons for us. Your ways are not always as we expect or want them to be. Open our eyes to your guidance. Amen.