God's Glory Church

“And he went down and immersed himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God.” — 2 Kings 5:14

The best seller at Jocelyn’s stall was her rice porridge. She mixed the rice very carefully until it had a uniform consistency. So Jocelyn was surprised when a regular customer once said, “Your cereal tastes different today. The texture isn’t as uniform.”

This time, new assistant Jocelyn made the porridge, and she explained why this dish is different: “I didn’t stir it as long as the recipe says, because that’s how I make it at home. And I added more sesame oil. I think it tastes better that way.” She decided to ignore the recipe and do things her own way.

This is how I sometimes respond to God’s instructions. Instead of fully obeying His commandments written in the Holy Scriptures, I go my own way.

Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, was on the verge of a similar error. After receiving God’s instructions through the prophet Elisha to wash seven times in the Jordan to be cured of leprosy, the proud warrior became angry. He had his own expectations of how his need should be met, believing that his opinion was superior to God’s command (2 Kings 5:11-12). However, the servants persuaded him to listen to the words of Elisha (v. 13). As a result, Naaman was healed.

If we act in God’s way, we experience a peace that cannot be described. Therefore, let us cooperate with the Lord in the fulfillment of His purposes.

Do you allow your own views to compromise your obedience to God? How does this affect His work in your life?

Dear God, please help me to obey You completely because Your commands are far more important than my own thoughts.

Author: Karen Huang