2 Kings 5:11 But Na‘aman became angry and left, saying, “Here now! I thought for certain that he would come out personally, that he would stand, call on the name of Adonai his God and wave his hand over the diseased place and thus heal the person with tzara‘at. 12 Aren’t Amanah and Parpar, the rivers of Dammesek, better than all the water in Isra’el? Why can’t I bathe in them and be clean?” So he turned and went off in a rage. 13 But his servants approached him and said, “My father! If the prophet had asked you to do something really difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So, doesn’t it make even more sense to do what he says, when it’s only, ‘Bathe, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Yarden, as the man of God had said to do; and his skin was restored and became like the skin of a child; and he became clean.
15 Then, with his whole retinue, he returned to the man of God, went and stood before him, and said, “Well, I’ve learned that there is no God in all the earth except in Isra’el; therefore, please accept a present from your servant.” 16 But Elisha answered, “As Adonailives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And despite his urging him to take it, he refused. 17 So Na‘aman said, “If you won’t take it, then please let your servant be given as much earth as two mules can carry; because from now on, your servant will offer neither burnt offerings nor sacrifices to other gods, but only to Adonai. 18 Except this, and may Adonai forgive your servant for it: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon — when I bow down, may Adonai forgive your servant for this.” 19 Elisha said to him, “Go in peace.”
Na‘aman had gone only a short distance from him, (Complete Jewish Bible)
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During hardships, it is very easy to feel put off when people say, “Just have faith.” Have faith!? Can't you see that I'm trying? People naturally want to say something helpful in times of sorrow, loss, or suffering. But how can people who are not suffering simply suggest that faith will make every problem go away?
Faith does not make every problem go away; choosing to hold onto faith, however, helps us (and others) to see God’s power at work in distressing situations. In 2 Kings 5, Namaan was initially angered by the prophet Elisha’s simplistic suggestion that washing in the Jordan river would heal his leprosy. He felt he had had wasted time seeking out the power of Israel’s God only to be told to dunk himself in a muddy river.
Namaan had a choice. He could keep his leprosy and go home, or he could choose to have faith in his slave girl’s God and follow Elisha’s instructions. Urged by his servants, Namaan chose faith. As he returned home completely healed, he could not say that he regretted holding onto the little faith he had, which was made stronger by the miracle he saw God work in his life.
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Hymn for Today: "He Never Has Failed Me Yet" by W.J. Henry.
1. When I travel the pathway so rugged and steep,
When I pass thro’ the valley so dark and so deep,
And when snares for my soul by my foes have been set,
Jesus never has failed me yet.Refrain: He never has failed me yet. He never has failed me yet.
I have proven Him true; what He says He will do.
2. So I walk by His side thro’ the heat of the day.
Where He leads me I follow; His will I obey.
And He makes me to conquer the ills that beset,
For He never has failed me yet.Refrain: He never has failed me yet. He never has failed me yet.
I have proven Him true; what He says He will do.
3. Then I’ll dread not the future, and fear not the foe,
I am safe in His keeping wherever I go;
For no soul that has trusted Him will He forget,
For He never has failed me yet.
Refrain: He never has failed me yet. He never has failed me yet.
I have proven Him true; what He says He will do.
Thought for Today: Then Yeshua answered her, “Lady, you are a person of great trust. Let your desire be granted.” And her daughter was healed at that very moment.(Matthew 15:28)(Complete Jewish Bible).
Please pray: For faculty and students as they prepare for Christian ministry in Peru.
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