Every now and then I like to let you know what I'm reading as I study God's Word.  Right now I'm reading through 2 Kings.  There are so many incredibly cool stories in the Old Testament.  In 2 Kings 5 you find the story of Naaman.

2 Kings 5:1b
He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

Naaman was a very powerful soldier but had leprosy.  (Read the story for all the details)  Through a series of events Naaman finds himself with the prophet Elisha (by messenger) in hopes of having his leprosy healed.  Elisha gives Naaman instructions on how to be healed.

2 Kings 5:10-11
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.

Verse 12 tells us that Naaman storms away in a rage.  Naaman wanted special treatment.  He wanted the prophet to come out and say the magic words and be healed.  That wasn't what God had in store.  Thankfully for Naaman's sake his servant persuaded him to do as he had been instructed.

2 Kings 5:14
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.

This story quickly reminded me of so many Christians today.  We ask God for a Word and then when we get it we complain.  Notice with me 5 facts about Naaman and see if they remind you of yourself.

1.  He wanted a quick fix.  No obedience required.
2.  He expected special treatment.  He wanted the Elisha there in his presence. 
3.  He had his own view on how he should be healed and any others were wrong.
4.  He grew angry about perceived unfair treatment.
5.  He rejected the solution.

Sound familiar?  I know it rings true in my life at times.  Notice what happened to Naaman's mindset once he relinquished and did it God's Way.

2 Kings 5:15
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. Please accept now a gift from your servant."

Notice the change in naaman:

1.  He saw the power of God and had a life changing experience.
2.  Instead of just wanting to take, he wanted to give back.
3.  He now has a testimony that will help others belie.

Look at the lessons we can learn from a guy who refused to do it God's way.  I want to be like the servant, pleading with people to listen to God and experience what He has in store for them.  There are so many Naamans in our community. 

Look for opportunities to share what God has done in your life.  Wednesday before last I taught our people how to write their testimony.  This Wednesday I'm explaining how to share your testimony with the Naaman's of the world.