Two small boys were playing a complicated game with sticks and string.
After a few minutes, the older boy turned to his friend and said crossly, “You’re not doing it properly. This is my game, and we play it my way. You can’t play any more!”.
The desire to have things our own way starts young.
Naaman was a person who was accustomed to having things his way.
He was commander of the army of the king of Syria.
But Naaman also had an incurable disease.
One day his wife’s servant girl, who had been captured from the land of Israel, suggested that he seek healing from Elisha, the prophet of God.
Naaman was desperate enough to do this, but he wanted the prophet to come to him.
He expected to be treated with great ceremony and respect.
So when Elisha simply sent a message that he should bathe seven times in the Jordan River, Naaman was furious.
He refused (2 Kings 5:10-12). Only when he finally humbled himself and did it God’s way was he cured (vv. 13-14).
We’ve probably all had times when we’ve said “I’ll do it my way” to God.
But His way is always the best way.
So let’s ask God to give us humble hearts that willingly choose His way, not our own.
To finish, I would like to share a prayer with you.
God, forgive me for my pride and for so often thinking I know best.
Give me a humble heart that is willing to follow your way in everything. Amen.
~ Contributed by Sandra Whyborn of the Deniliquin Salvation Army, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
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