Understanding The Power Of God

God’s Ways Far Exceed Human Comprehension

Throughout the Bible, a common theme emerges. God’s way of handling a problem or circumstance differs from human perception. As humans, we cannot begin to understand how God works in a situation. However, our responsibility is not to comprehend His ways but to accept them by faith.

A powerful example of God’s providence and timing appears in 2 Kings 5. In this passage, Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, is stricken with leprosy. Historically, leprosy often forced sufferers to live in isolation, stripping them of social and economic status. Additionally, there was no known cure for leprosy.

During one raid, the Syrian army captured a young Israelite girl who soon became a servant in Naaman’s household. Noticing Naaman’s leprosy, the girl remarked that Elisha the prophet could heal him. Naaman immediately set out to find Elisha.

When Naaman reached Elisha’s home, rather than personally greeting the Syrian commander, Elisha sent a messenger. The messenger informed Naaman that to receive his healing, he would need to wash himself in the Jordan River seven times.

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash

Upon hearing this instruction, Naaman became furious. He was angry because he assumed Elisha himself would appear before him to heal him. He also remarked that washing himself in a filthy river like the Jordan was beneath his dignity, since other, more “suitable” rivers (such as the Abanah or Pharpar) existed.

Thankfully, Naaman was surrounded by wise counsel. They reasoned with him, and he relented, following the messenger’s instructions. He was healed immediately. Notably, in a world where idol worship was commonplace, Naaman readily acknowledged that Elisha’s God was the one true God.

Many lessons emerge from this passage of Scripture:

(1) Never assume how a problem will be solved when trusting God.

(2) Obey God’s directives to receive what He has for you.

(3) God alone is the true source of provision.

As wonderfully described in Isaiah 55:8–9:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth.

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.”