Learning from Naaman...Part 2

Yes, Lord, help me to accept the need to grow and mature....whatever needs to happen to get me to that place where I can be used by You....

Continuing on here about Naaman....

Naaman had a problem, a unique one. In recalling his story Jesus said, "Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman" (Lk. 4:27 NKJV). It's easier to believe God for something you've seen Him do before. But Naaman not only had leprosy, nobody he knew had ever been healed of it. Are you being tested today because of a unique situation in your life, your marriage or your career? Are you afraid to talk about it because you don't know anybody who's ever beaten your particular problem? If so, stop focusing on the problem and start focusing on God! He doesn't need anything to begin with in order to solve your problem. Remember in Genesis He hung the earth on nothing, and it's still turning every day! The Bible says that Naaman was a "great...man," but God was about to make him a greater one. Whenever He does that He permits us to get into predicaments without human solutions. When He wants us to have great influence He often permits us to face great challenges. It's how He moves us from being impressive to being truly exceptional. But when He does, be careful. One of the first questions people will ask is, "How did you do it?" They'll start admiring your status and your armor, when all the time it was your affliction that drove you to your knees and allowed God to make you the person you've become. Before you can be exceptional you must work to develop a faith that believes God for the impossible, and trusts what He says regardless of the odds. ~Ron Traub