Obedience

In 2 Kings chapter 5, there is a wonderful story of Naaman being healed of leprosy.

Naaman was commander of the army of King Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy (2 Kings 5:1,2).

A young servant girl told Naaman’s wife that she knew of a prophet who could cure him. So of course, Naaman went to see the prophet Elisha. What a disappointment when Elisha told Naaman to go dip seven times in the Jordan River! But when he did, he was healed of leprosy.

What can we learn from this story? First of all, God’s ways are not our ways. It’s important that we do what God tells us to do. Our obedience is very important to God.

Then there’s the matter of perseverance. What if Naaman had not followed through? What if after the third, fourth, or even the sixth time, he said, “I’ve had enough! This isn’t working!”? If he had quit too soon, he would not have received his miracle!

The lesson for us is to obey and not stop until we have done exactly what God has told us to do! Obedience and perseverance precede our miracle!