Alternative Plans

“He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy… ‘If only my master would see the prophet…He would cure him of his leprosy…Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’… ‘Are not Abana and Pharpar better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?’ So he turned and went off in a rage.” 2 Kings 5:1-14.

This is a story about an army commander named Naaman, who had been credited by his king for many successes. 2 Kings doesn’t allow us to get beyond the first verse before we are told of his disease. At first glance, we are led to believe his biggest problem is his outward affliction of leprosy, but we quickly see that his inner affliction of pride will be his barrier to healing. He is given a set of commands which will bring his healing but his pride stands in the way. He is told to cleanse himself in the River Jordan seven times to receive healing, but he feels as if his rivers are superior to obtain healing. He was shown a way for healing but his pride got in the way. Thankfully for him, he had those around him who spoke with clarity, common sense and humility. They encouraged him to do whatever was told of him regardless of his own belief and superior feelings. He humbly dragged his infectious body to the banks of the Jordan and dipped his pride seven times. ‘…as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.’ 2 Kings 5:14.

For what deep desire are you approaching God this morning? What outward attitude is infecting your life from an inner disease of pride? Are you trusting in God’s ways even if they do not seem sensible? What alternative plans are you making that seem more likely to receive the desire of your heart? When we approach God we must be willing to hear the manner in which He will move in our plans. We cannot allow our pride to stand in the way of God’s work.

We cannot bathe ourselves in the waters of our own calculations but must drench ourselves in the Living Waters if we are to be successful. When believing Him, we will wade into His waters with our infectious pride and return to shore with the attitudes and character of Christ.