"But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.” 2 Kings 5:8
There are a lot of things that money can buy, but the most precious things in life cannot be bought. Money cannot buy perfect health, strong relationships, peace, time, and so many more things that are invaluable to us. But, unfortunately, pride causes us to forget this truth. Pride tricks us and sometimes makes us think that enough money can buy everything we need. But, of course, this is not the truth, and unfortunately, everyone who operates under this assumption ultimately learns the hard way that there are many precious things in our lives that money cannot buy. This, my friends, is why we turn to God, the all-powerful One who controls every situation when we face difficult situations.
2 Kings 5 tells us the story of two kings who responded very differently to a difficult situation that Naaman, the commander of the Armenian army, faced. Naaman became sick with leprosy, a horrible and crippling disease, and his prognosis was bleak. Naaman’s wife’s maid, who had been brought to them from Israel, told them about Elisha, a prophet who could bring healing. Before Naaman set out on his journey for healing, he told the King of Armenia about the possibility of going to get healing from a prophet, Elisha, in Samaria. The king told him to go to the king of Israel and sent him with so much silver, gold, and clothing, along with a letter to the King of Israel. The letter said, “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy” (verse 6). The king of Armenia sent Naaman straight to the king, not the prophet Elisha, for help. He thought the gifts of silver, gold, and other clothing would put Naaman in good standing and bring him healing. In other words, he was trying to buy healing for Naaman.
As we have noticed, there are two kings in this story, and they responded to the situation very differently. When the king of Israel read the letter from the king of Armenia asking him to heal Naaman, he tore his clothes. He said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy?” (verse 7). The king knew that even with all the money, wealth, and power in the world, he could not heal Naaman. Because of this, he tore his clothes, wondering why the king of Armenia brought Naaman to him.
When it comes down to it, humility understands that we are not in control. Humility realizes that only God is in control and turns to Him instead of money, power, or anything besides Him. May we turn to him at all times, good and bad, and let go, knowing He is trustworthy and true.
What would it look like for you to release control of the situations you are walking through? It could mean you would pray more or spend less time worrying and trying to fix things by your own power. Commit to releasing control this week and begin by praying. Tell God that you are not in control, but He is. Tell Him that you trust Him to work in the desperate situations in your life.
2 Kings 5:7-10 (NLT)
"When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”
8 But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”
9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
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