Our Very Least

“She said to her mistress, ‘If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria!  He would cure him of his leprosy.’” 2 Kings 5:3.

Yesterday we considered the life and character of Naaman while today we will peek into the private quarters of his wife and their maid servant.  There is no doubt that Naaman’s wife battled continual concern and sadness for her husband’s condition.  There are fewer things that hurt my heart than watching my husband struggle over something.  My commentary stated that this disease had progressed over years.  I am sure that watching the deterioration of her husband’s condition was scary, heart breaking and required constant encouragement.  We can be confident that his wife turned to the young maid on many occasions in confidence, conversation and support.  What a blessing that young lady must have been when she offered a possibility for her husband’s healing.  The wife must have rushed to her husband immediately with new hope.  What was it about the humble servant girl that bolstered his wife’s confidence?  Was it the certainly of healing in the servant girl’s voice if only he would go?  Was there a spirit of peace and calm every time she walked into the room?  Was it the simple joy that she always possessed when dealing with her mistress?  Or was it just the pure desperation of his wife for a cure for her husband?

Whatever motivated the wife was directly connected with the humble service of the young maid.  We are all given a circle of influence.  God places people in our lives, and we are placed into the lives of others.  It is no accident with whom we come in contact, so we must be intentional in our words and steadfast in our faith.  We must look to others encouraging them in their faith, and comforting them in their challenges.  It cannot always be about our comfort and convenience.  There are people hurting out there…people who need to see a reflection of Christ on our face…people who need to borrow our faith for a moment.  My Bible Study states four important principles for being that little maid servant in the lives of others.  They are so essential I wish to share them with you:

-          Be confident – We have a great God, and there is nothing he can’t do.  Let’s live like we believe it!

-          Be credible – People always pay more attention to how we live than what we say.

-          Speak to people’s needs – If the people we desire to help are low on faith, lend them ours.

-          Do something small – Some of the most insignificant things we do have the greatest impact.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40