It's interesting how many people he had to listen to for his faith to grow and accomplish God's purpose in his life. First, he had to listen to a little servant girl who was a stranger and an alien. Faith comes by hearing, and the good news was passed on to him by this little girl. He didn't understand how it would happen, but he had to exercise faith to make it happen. He had to have the humility to accept what he was told. The path of faith sometimes puts us in situations that will challenge our egos. But faith trusts someone who was never trusted before.
Next, Naaman had to listen to Elisha the prophet. This may sound easy, because the message came from a servant of God, but Elisha did not make a show of it, nor were there any great pronouncements, just a simple statement. This frustrated Naaman who wanted a spectacular ceremony worthy of his position in society. But in the journey of faith, the first big milestones are humility and obedience.
And finally, Naaman had to listen to his own servants. It's difficult enough to take advice from our superiors, but to take advice from someone we feel is lower than ourselves is a whole different matter. Naaman finally got the message, and as he dipped himself in the Jordan River seven times, he saw the glory and proclaimed, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except Israel."
Are you groping and discouraged? Examine your obedience in the light of God's Word. Have the willingness to listen to godly advice. Do not let your ego get in the way and lose the blessings of God which comes through childlike faith.
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Prayer Points:
Pray for unity among believers so that churches would work together to impact their communities and the world
Pray for our faith to grow as we trust God for all things
Pray for more people willing to join God where He is working.
