Faith

Let’s Read:

2 KINGS 5

Verses 1-15

UnveilingtheCharactersofFaith

Six characters who teach us a valuable lesson on our faith journey

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New International Version

1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram (modern-day Syria) He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.

3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

4 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said

5 “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied “I will send a letter to the king of Israel ” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents[b] of silver, six thousand shekels[c] of gold and ten sets of clothing.

6 The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy ”

7 As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”

8 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house.

10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”

11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy

12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.

13 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!”

14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy

15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.

Let’s Read:

2 KINGS 5

Verses 1-15

UnveilingtheCharactersofFaith

Six characters who teach us a valuable lesson on our faith journey

Day One: Naaman the General

Unveiling Hidden Wounds Lessons from Naaman's Armor

In Naaman, we encounter a mighty warrior, victorious in battle, yet battling leprosy beneath his armor. His story challenges us to consider the hidden struggles in our own lives that we may mask with success and accomplishments Despite his outward achievements, Naaman's disease brought shame and possible emotional isolation Similarly, in today's social media-driven culture, we often present curated highlight reels, while concealing our inner turmoil

As Christians empowered by the Holy Spirit, we possess the gift of discernment, enabling us to see beyond surface appearances Just as Naaman's leprosy needed exposure for healing, we too must confront our hidden sins, sickness, and wounds Rather than masking our shame with worldly success, we're called to bring our struggles into the light, knowing that what we reveal to God can be healed

Reflection:

What areas of your life need revelation and healing? Are there hurts, sickness, wounds, and sins in your life that must be revealed? Are you hiding in shame? Are you striving for success to help yourself feel better?

It’s important to have an authentic relationship with God and within our church community, where vulnerability leads to restoration. Just as Naaman's armor failed to cure his leprosy, worldly achievements cannot heal the deep wounds of the soul. True healing begins with honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront our hidden struggles.

Supporting Bible Verses: Leviticus 13-14; 2 Corinthians 12:7-11; Genesis 3:8; Ephesians 5:11-12; Luke 8:17

1. As spirit-filled Christians, why is it important to understand & utilize the gifts of the spirit, like the gift of discernment, taught in 2 Corinthians 12:7-11?

2. In Genesis 3:8, we see that Adam & Eve hid from God when they sinned & felt shame. When you feel shame, do you tend to hide, too? What circumstances in your life right now bring you shame and cause you to hide?

3. Like Naaman’s armor hid his leprosy, it also represented his success. What is the armor you use to cover your shame? Is it success? Accolades? A job title? Degrees in school? Does striving for success help you feel better?

4. Do you have an authentic Christian community that you trust and discuss your hurts, fears, and shame with? If not, what would it take to find a community like this to help support you?

Let’s Read:

2 KINGS 5

Verses 1-15

UnveilingtheCharactersofFaith

Six characters who teach us a valuable lesson on our faith journey

Day Two: The nameless servant girl

Unveiling bold faith and humility

In the story of Naaman's healing, the nameless servant girl emerges as a powerful example of boldness, faith, and humility. Taken from her homeland and reduced to the status of a slave, she defies societal norms to point her master toward healing. Despite her lack of recognition or voice in society, she takes a large risk to share her insight about the prophet in Israel who could cure Naaman's leprosy, which is a testament to her bold faith in the God she serves.

Humility and bold faith are important when serving others, even when we may not be in our comfort zone. We must remember that while recognition may not always accompany acts of faith, the true reward lies in the transformation of character and the alignment with God's will. True ministry is about pointing others toward the healer, Jesus Christ, regardless of personal recognition or status. When we prioritize humility, we can accept that the reward lies in a sharpened character and alignment with God's purpose.

Reflection:

Are you bold enough to share your faith with others? Are you hurt when you are not recognized when you serve in your church community? Have you been strategically placed by God to share Christ with others?

A selfless life as a servant of God requires us to take risks for the sake of others' healing and salvation

Just as the nameless servant girl saw the intimate details of Naaman's life, you may find yourself strategically placed to witness others' struggles and offer guidance Are you willing to embrace the risk, even if it means remaining unrecognized or nameless in the grand narrative?

Supporting Bible Verses: James 4:10-11; Proverbs 22:4; Ecclesiastes 7:1; Romans 10:15

1. In what ways do you relate to the nameless servant girl?

2. Has there ever been a time where you didn’t receive the recognition you deserved and it hurt your feelings or deterred you from doing the right thing again in the future because you felt taken advantage of? What does the servant girl teach you?

3. Have you been strategically placed to see intimate details of the lives of people around you? How are you pointing your family, friends, and co-workers to the healer, Jesus Christ?

4. In what areas of your life do you need to increase in bold faith? In what areas in your life do you need to increase in humility?

Let’s Read:

2 KINGS 5

Verses 1-15

UnveilingtheCharactersofFaith

Six characters who teach us a valuable lesson on our faith journey

Day Three: The King of Israel

Unveiling the people who can’t help us

In the journey of faith, we often encounter individuals who, despite their authority and status, cannot provide the help or healing we seek. The King of Israel in the story of Naaman serves as a poignant example of this reality. While possessing power and position, the king lacked the anointing and faith necessary to heal Naaman's leprosy.

Naaman, an honorable soldier accustomed to the protocols of power, served under the King of Aram who naturally sought the King of Israel’s assistance first. However, the king's response was steeped in legalism and tradition, lacking the spiritual insight and authority needed for miraculous healing. Despite his title, the king proved ineffective in addressing Naaman's deepest need; to be healed.

Reflection:

Are you currently seeking answers and healing from sources & people ill-equipped to provide them? Are you drawn to individuals with impressive titles or credentials, hoping they can offer validation or solutions?

We must discern where we seek guidance and healing Placing our trust solely in human authority will lead to disappointment and wasted time Instead, we must align ourselves with those who are connected to Jesus Christ – individuals who operate in faith and anointing It’s important to recognize when to move on from well-meaning but ultimately ineffective sources Just as Naaman had to move beyond the king's realm to find healing, we too must be willing to seek out those who are truly connected to the healer. Let us not waste our precious time and energy seeking validation from those who cannot provide it. Instead, let us fix our eyes on the King of Kings, who alone holds the power to heal and restore.

Supporting Bible Verses: Psalm 121:1-2; Proverbs 12:6-15; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 26:12

1. Have you ever needed advice, wisdom, or healing and the person you thought would help you, couldn’t? What happened?

2. Have you ever been the King of Israel yourself; unable to help others in their journey of faith? What happened?

3. Why is it important to identify people who do not have the anointing or wisdom to help us through trying times?

4. What advice would you give Naaman at this point in his journey?

Let’s Read:

2 KINGS 5

Verses 1-15

UnveilingtheCharactersofFaith

Six characters who teach us a valuable lesson on our faith journey

Day Four: Naaman’s Wise Servant

Unveiling disappointment, embracing wise counsel

In the story of Naaman, we encounter a crucial figure: Naaman's servant. This servant exemplifies the importance of having individuals in our lives who point us toward truth and wisdom, especially in times when our journey of faith leads us to disappointment.

When Naaman received Elisha's unconventional instructions for his healing, he was taken aback. His pride and expectations clashed with the reality of God's plan. Like Naaman, we too may encounter moments when God's blueprint of healing, deliverance, and salvation doesn't align with our expectations. Disappointments arise from the disparity between our expectations and reality.

Yet, in Naaman's frustration, his servant serves as a beacon of wisdom and guidance. This servant reminds Naaman that God's ways are higher than our ways and urges him to trust in the process. Similarly, we need individuals in our circle who can offer perspective and help us recalibrate when faced with disappointment. The truth is, God's plans may not always match our expectations, but they are always for our ultimate good As author Dr Don Raunikar emphasized in his book Choosing God’s Best, there are good choices and there are God choices, and God choices are always better We must learn to discern between our expectations and God's will, prioritizing His guidance above our desires

Finding and nurturing relationships like Naaman's wise servant is essential for our faith journey These individuals provide invaluable support and insight, helping us navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and faith Moreover, we are called to be such individuals for others, offering support and encouragement when they face disappointment and doubt

Supporting Bible Verses: Job 11:7-9; Psalm 42:11; Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 24:6; Proverbs 13:10; Isaiah 55:9

1. Who do you have in your circle of friends and family who help you recalibrate when life gets discouraging?

2. How are you the wise servant to others when they need truth and counsel during discouraging times?

3. Think about a time when you were disappointed during your faith journey What happened and were you able to overcome it?

4. Have your expectations ever blocked you from receiving the blessing and/or healing God had for you? Or have you ever disobeyed God because you were disappointed with his plan, instruction, or blueprint for your life?

Let’s Read:

2 KINGS 5

Verses 1-15

UnveilingtheCharactersofFaith

Six characters who teach us a valuable lesson on our faith journey

Day Five: The Prophet Elisha

Unveiling & embracing God’s blueprint for healing

In the tapestry of faith, God weaves together a diverse array of characters to fulfill His divine purposes. Among these, Elisha emerges as a profound example of God's chosen vessel for imparting His blueprint of healing to Naaman and many others in the Old Testament.

As we read in 2 Kings 2, Elisha witnessed the departure of his mentor, Elijah, into the heavens. For six to ten years, Elisha served under Elijah's tutelage and eventually received a double portion of Elijah’s spiritual power. Elisha was not merely a bystander; he was a well-mentored and well-equipped prophet, prepared for the task ahead.

When Elisha instructed Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River seven times for his healing, Naaman initially struggled to grasp the significance of both the messenger and the location. Despite Elisha's seasoned wisdom and the historical significance of the Jordan River, Naaman's pride and ignorance clouded his understanding. Yet, Elisha persisted in delivering God's instructions, undeterred by Naaman's reluctance or misunderstanding His example teaches us a crucial lesson: as vessels of God's healing, we must faithfully convey His blueprint, regardless of others' acceptance or comprehension

The Jordan River, a site of numerous miraculous encounters throughout history, symbolizes God's power and presence From the parting of its waters for the Israelites in Joshua to the baptism of Jesus in the New Testament, the Jordan holds profound spiritual significance Despite Naaman's initial disdain, the Jordan was chosen by God for this divine encounter Likewise, when we are called to deliver God's message of healing and salvation, not everyone will readily accept or understand it Yet, our task remains unchanged: to faithfully impart God's truth and offer His blueprint for restoration

Supporting Bible Verses: 2 Kings 2; Joshua 3:1, 14-17; Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 10:14-16

1. Can you relate to Naaman’s reaction of disappointment and anger when he received instruction from Elisha’s messenger?

2. Why is it ironic that Naaman did not feel the Jordan River was good enough for his healing?

3. How can our expectations block us from the healing we so desperately desire?

4. In a world full of skepticism and pride, will you continue to share God’s plan of salvation with others?

Let’s Read:

2 KINGS 5

Verses 1-15

UnveilingtheCharactersofFaith

Six characters who teach us a valuable lesson on our faith journey

Day Six: God

Unveiling God’s ultimate plan of healing and salvation

In the narrative of Naaman's healing, we witness God's sovereignty and compassion at work. Naaman, a Gentile who was a mighty general from the foreign land of Aram (modern-day Syria), finds himself afflicted with leprosy despite experiencing victories and favor in his life. It's a reminder that God's plan often unfolds in ways we cannot comprehend.

Despite Naaman's initial ignorance of the source of his victories, God orchestrates events to reveal Himself to this foreign leader. Through the conduit of leprosy, God leads Naaman to a divine encounter with the Almighty God of Israel. This encounter serves as a profound example of God's plan of salvation, reaching beyond the borders of Israel to include all nations.

Even in the Old Testament, God's ultimate plan of salvation and healing extended to both Jews and Gentiles. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God provided a path to redemption for the entire world. As John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world," encompassing every nation, including Israel and Syria, that He gave His Son to bring salvation and eternal life

Just as Naaman's sickness led him to a divine encounter, our own struggles and suffering can serve as pathways to encounter God's healing and salvation Through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we have access to the ultimate healer who can cleanse us from every sin and sickness in our lives

Today, let us rest in the assurance of God's plan of redemption and healing May we trust in His unfailing love and embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ As we navigate the challenges of life, may we remember that God's plan surpasses our understanding, and His desire is for the healing and restoration of all who turn to Him in faith.

Supporting Bible Verses: John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8; Titus 3:4-5; 1 John 2:16-17

1. How does this story allude to God’s ultimate plan of salvation for the whole world?

2. How has God used your struggle or suffering to bring you on a path toward healing and salvation?

3. How did God’s plan of salvation reach beyond the boarders of pride and hurt in your heart?

4. What can you thank God for in regard to your healing and salvation? Worship Him and give Him praise.

Let’s Read:

2 KINGS 5

Verses 1-15

UnveilingtheCharactersofFaith

Six characters who teach us a valuable lesson on our faith journey

Day Seven: Which Character are you?

Unveiling my healing journey

As we reflect on the characters in 2 Kings 5, I urge you to consider which one resonates with you most current faith journey. Perhaps you see yourself as the noble General Naaman, strivin f hiding a secret pain beneath the surface. Maybe you identify with the nameless serv others to the healer while bearing your own burdens in silence. Or perhaps you feel a Naaman's wise servant, offering guidance and truth to those around you.

nt season, I found myself mirroring General Naaman, concealing a disease under the hievements and titles. Endometriosis, a silent affliction causing infertility and imme reatened to overshadow all my accomplishments. Like the King of Israel, worldly ad medical accolades offered little solace as my condition worsened.

he disappointment and despair, God orchestrated divine appointments and encoun seek alternative treatments, provided financial provisions for surgery, and surround ervants who spoke words of faith and encouragement And on a December day in 20 surgery, God revealed His miraculous healing power, transforming my womb from c restoration A divine healing indeed!

ment, I’d like to extend an altar call to all who are struggling in their faith journey W neral hiding a secret pain, a nameless servant seeking recognition, or a wise servant others, God invites you to lay your burdens at His feet He calls you to embrace His healing and restoration, trusting in His unfailing love and provision

we gather at the altar, may we surrender our doubts, disappointments, and secret pains to the te healer, Jesus Christ. May we find solace in His promise of salvation and restoration, knowing His plan for our lives far exceeds our expectations. May we emerge from this sacred space with renewed faith, ready to walk boldly in the light of His truth and love.

d to share with the Lord today regarding your journey of faith toward healing?