In 2 Kings chapter 5, we read the story of Naaman and Elisha. The Bible tells us in these verses about Naaman, a Syrian general who was not a Jew in Israel but from a neighboring province.  We learn about his power and possessions, but then we find a short statement: "But he was a leper."  It can be so easy to overlook everything you have going for you and focus on the one problem. Sometimes people use the phrase, "So and so is a friend of mine but...," which most likely is followed by something deragatory.  We often put ourselves and others in compartmentalized boxes that restrict opportunity, movement or progress.

There was a young girl in Naaman's household who was Jewish. She knew about Elisha and the rumor of his healing power. One day, she found a way to suggest that her boss go to her country to find the prophet Elisha. Naaman was eventually persuaded to go, and the King of Syria loaded him up with all kinds of gifts to impress the Israeli spiritual leader. 

Naaman embarked to Israel with his entourage. When he got to the residence of Elisha, he sent in word of his arrival.  Instead of coming out to greet Naaman, Elisha sent a message back, "Go tell Naaman to wash in the river Jordan seven times and he will be well."

Naaman could not understand Elisha's orders. It was the most absurd thing he had ever heard.  Was his river better than the one in Syria?  Was that all Elisha said? Namaan must have thought, "I've come all this way, brought these gifts and these are the orders I get?"  

Doubt set in and Naaman turned to go back home. During the ride home, one of Namaan's servants asked, "My lord if the prophet had told you something hard to do, something big would you have done that?"  Naaman immediately responded, "Of course I would."  His aid continued by asking, "Since he told you something small to do why not try that?"

Isn't it something how things that appear simple and mundane can seem insignificant?  How interesting that something so obvious or easy often escapes our attention.   In the Christian world people ask, "Can it be so easy to ask Jesus into my heart?" or "Does the Holy Spirit really lead us with just our invitation?"

We have a tendency to make things more difficult than they need to be.  As humans, we think that the harder something is or the more expensive it looks than the more valuable and valid it is. But throughout His ministry, Jesus reminded us how easy and light His way is. He told us to become like a little child to inherit the Kingdom of God.

Back to Naaman--he listened to his aid. And at the risk of appearing foolish, he went to the Jordan River to wash.  He dipped himself once. No change. He dipped himself again, still no change.  A third, fourth and fifth time.... still nothing. It appeared to be a big mistake until the seventh time came along and Naaman was healed. His faith and obedience made him well.  It was in that same river, many centuries later, that Jesus Himself was baptized.

Naaman joyfully returned to Elisha to convince him to accept a gift, but Elisha refused to accept it.  God's miracle could not compare to an act of monetary exchange. Because of this experience, Naaman renounced the Syrian god Rimmon and accepted the God of Israel.

During Jesus' return to Nazareth, He stated that "many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha and none of them was cleansed except for Naaman the Syrian."  What a shocking statement to know there were others with the same disease as Naaman that were not healed.  How could this be?  Did the other lepers lack faith or did the solution offered to them just seem to small or simplistic for them to try?

How does this story from the Bible apply to you today?  We're glad you asked.  It applies to almost every aspect of your future.  

Ask yourself these questions:

1) What decisions do I need to make to move forward?

2) Does faith or asking Jesus to help seem to easy or simple?

3) Has a negative statement of another held you back?  If so, why?

4) Is the answer you have been looking for right in front of you?

5) What steps can you try today to get out of a rut and to get going again?

 Now Go for it! We send our prayers and blessings.

Steve and Kellie