(2 Kings 5:1 CEV) Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. The Lord had helped him and his troops defeat their enemies, so the king of Syria respected Naaman very much. Naaman was a brave soldier, but he had leprosy.
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” Today I want to introduce you to Naaman, if you don’t know him already. He was a great man in the sight of his king and his Soldiers, having the respect of superiors and subordinates alike. Naaman was a masterful military commander and a valiant soldier who was used of God to victoriously lead his men into and out of many battles. The text says he was a brave soldier, but behind the armor, behind the façade, and behind the image, Naaman had a serious problem. After the accolades listed in the text we find the word that plagued Naaman and plagues many of us today – the word but. Yes, he was a great commander; yes, he was a great military tactician; yes, he was exceptionally courageous, but he was a leper. His armor concealed his issue. Outwardly he seemed impenetrable, but inwardly he was deteriorating. Leprosy was a terrible disease that started in one area and then gradually spread all over the body, crusting the skin with white scales, causing terrible sores and painful swelling. Starting with the skin, the disease would eat inward toward the bones, rotting the entire body piecemeal. This was a dreadful condition, especially for someone with so much responsibility.
One day the Syrian troops raided Israel and took a young girl who later became a servant of Naaman’s wife. This girl must have seen Naaman exposed, because she approached his wife and said, “If your husband Naaman would go to the prophet in Samaria, he would be cured of his leprosy.” Naaman was a man of stature and prominence. He took orders only from the king and he could have easily had the young girl killed for meddling in his affairs, but Naaman looked beyond his position, he realized his problem, he had the courage to confront his issue, and he jumped at this glimpse of hope. What was happening? Naaman had fought valiantly in battle, but he was now preparing for a faith-fight. While his rank, reputation, and respect were great, Naaman knew they were no help with issue. So he took a leap of faith, he allowed himself to believe God for his healing, and he prepared to meet the prophet in Samaria. We will stop here for today.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. People love to put a ‘but’ behind your name: Naaman was this, Naaman was that, but he was a leper. People expose what they truly feel about you behind the word “but.” Just remember, their poison can’t stop your purpose!
2. Be willing to receive from anyone: Naaman swallowed his pride and received a word from his servant. Don’t ever get too big that you cannot learn from someone you are positioned over. Your breakthrough can come from the lips of a pauper or a king, a CEO or a janitor, a general or a private; be willing to receive from both!
3. You are who you are when no one else is around: It is great to get accolades from others. It’s an ego boost to be recognized for your efforts. It’s wonderful to be regarded as one of the best in your field. But who people say you are and the person you really are, are seldom the same person. You are who you are when no one else is around. When you take off your armor, do you like what you see? You are going to have to be comfortable with yourself if you are going to hold on for the long haul.
4. Nothing is impossible who him who believes! Leprosy was incurable, but Naaman believed God could do the impossible. No matter how hard things get, never stop believing!
Closing Confession: Father, I declare that I am not defined by the perceptions of others. I am defined by Your Word and Your purpose for my life. I am who the Word says I am and I can do what the Word says I can do. I walk into this day and this week with unshakable confidence in You! While I learn from Naaman and the other Biblical characters, I recognize that You are the main character in every story. These stories are testimonies of Your goodness and power. You Father manifest Yourself in my life in a mighty way. People may give me accolades for what You have graced me to do, but You are the main character in my life’s story and I will never forget it! Since my life is about You, I will not allow pride to keep me from Your best. And I will believe You to do the seemingly impossible time after time. I will never stop believing and I will never give up! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
