goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

His Way

By Linda Tancs

“My way or the highway” is an expression people use to express a desire to do things their way. That was certainly the attitude of Naaman, who we read about in the Old Testament. A commander of the Syrian army, he was certainly accustomed to having things done his way. On receiving God’s instruction through the prophet Elisha to wash himself in the Jordan so his leprosy would be healed, he was indignant. He had his own expectations for how his need ought to be addressed, believing his opinion was superior to God’s command. His servants, however, convinced him to listen to Elisha’s words. As a result, Naaman was healed (2 Kings 5:1-15). Naaman’s story illustrates the benefit of doing things God’s way. Work with Him, not against Him, for peace and fulfillment in all that you do.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

It Pays to be Humble

By Linda Tancs

The prophet Elisha’s healing of the Syrian commander Naaman from leprosy is a familiar story for many (2 Kings 5:1-15). In short, Elisha commanded Naaman to dip his body into the Jordan River seven times to be healed. Naaman resisted, yet he persisted. The story is remarkable not only for his healing from leprosy but also for its compelling message on humility. Naaman discarded the trappings of success and allowed humility to enter in, ignoring the water quality (as he perceived it) and bathing in a manner that he found unsuitable for a man of his position. Humility fostered his healing because God loves a humble heart (Proverbs 22:4). What might humility bring to you?

*************** As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Power of Seven

By Linda Tancs

The prophet Elisha’s healing of the Syrian commander Naaman from leprosy is a familiar story for many (2 Kings 5:1-15). In short, Elisha commanded Naaman to dip his body into the Jordan River seven times to be healed. It’s important to recognize that seven is not an arbitrary number selected by Elisha; biblically, it’s the number of completeness and perfection. We all need healing in some respect. Maybe it’s a physical malady or a vexing problem. It may not miraculously disappear. Like Naaman, you may need to exercise persistence until the issue resolves to completion. Practice makes perfect.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES, Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.