Hosanna Restoration Church

As I sought the Lord concerning how the parts of His plans come together when each one does their share, He brought to mind the story of Naaman. He was a great man, but he was also a leper. We are told that the king was very high on him. Whether the king new that the Lord had given the army victory through Naaman or not we do not know, but we do know that God’s word tells us that is how it happened. Let’s survey the steps and people God used to heal Naaman.

It just so happened, that a young girl from Israel was captured and she was a slave to Naaman’s wife. These folks must have been kind masters, for the servant girl cared greatly. In fact she cared enough to suggest that if Namman to the Prophet who was in Samaria that the prophet would heal him. This young girl had faith, and she in turn sowed a seed of faith in Naaman’s wife. It did not seem like a big part at the time, but look what it led to.

Namaan’s wife must have been greatly affected by the young girl’s testimony; for she was bold enough to go to here warrior husband and suggest that there was a prophet in Samaria that could heal him. Sometimes being desperate is the best way to get what you need. At this point in time, it seems that Naaman’s focus of worship must have been with the king in the temple of Rimmon, but for some reason he was influenced by his wife to check this out. She had done her part.

Now it was up to Naaman. He in turn went to the king and told him what the girl had told his wife and he wanted to be healed. Even though the king did not worship God, he cared enough about Naaman to make an appeal to the king of Israel. So now Naaman had begun his role in this plan and the king’s part was done.

The King of Israel had a different approach to his part. He tore his clothes and cried out. He realized that he did not hold the power of life and death or to heal this warrior. Still in his cry of desperation, he did his part; for word reached Elisha of his dilemma and Elisha sent word that they should send Naaman to see him. God always hears our desperate cries! Thus we have the king’s part finished and Naaman and Elisha still players in God’s plan.

Naaman comes to the prophet, but is met by a servant instead who tells him to wash seven times in the river and he will be healed. Well this was not just what Naaman wanted to hear. Have you ever had things go differently than you planned? Naaman got mad, gave up, and headed home. Have you ever given up? Someone else had to do their part now, and it was not an easy part. Naaman was mad, and his servant must have been nervous, but he did his part anyway. He convinced Naaman to at least give it a try. More than likely he had to encourage him with each successive dip in the river. Sometimes we need a lot of encouragement, and sometimes we need to be patient and willing to give a lot of encouragement.

Of course we know that in the end Naaman was healed and it was a great victory. The key was that everyone did their part. Elisha’s servant gives us a glimpse of what happens when we do a part that God never sanctioned. And I think Elisha shows us a lesson in patience when Naaman asks that God not mind if he bows to Rimmon. I think he knows that Naamon will learn not to compromise. In everything, God will reveal what is our part if only we will be watching.