Submitted by Ryan Hart
In 2 Kings 5, a story about a great, honorable, and mighty man of valor who had contracted leprosy is recorded (5:1). This man, Naaman, departed for Israel to speak with a prophet of God who he heard could heal him of his infirmity (5:5). After getting a hopeful message from the prophet (5:8), when he arrived at the prophet’s home, Naaman is greeted not by Elisha but his servant with an outlandish command (5:10). Naaman, being furious because he was expecting a far different scenario to take place, decides to leave and return to Syria (5:11-12). He felt that his time and patience had been wasted by this “man of God”. His servants convinced him to go through with Elisha’s command (5:13), and after dipping in the Jordan River seven times (5:14), his flesh was restored to a clean, smooth state.
Stories, like Naaman’s, amazes me to consider how similar circumstances still happen today. Although I have never had leprosy, I have had problems in my life that I needed God’s help resolving. Comparable to Naaman, I have found myself wording prayers to God exactly what I expect Him to do for me and how to do it. Naaman expected to speak directly with Elisha. He expected to have a certain type of healing ritual take place. He envisioned God’s healing would be on his terms. When given a command, he replied to Elisha’s servant, “The Jordan? I could have done this in far better rivers back home! Thanks for wasting my time!”
We too can be guilty of limiting God and putting our requests on our own terms. Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Do not limit God. Give Him your prayers. Let Him do things His way.
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