Least Expected

“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” — 2 Kings 5:3 I love this Bible story for many reasons. Naaman was a guy who had everything. As an army commander, he could tell people what to do and where to go. He also had a family and was very wealthy. His army carried out raids on other countries, and one day they carried off a young Israelite girl who became a servant for Naaman’s wife. But Naaman learned that having everything wasn’t enough. He discovered that he had leprosy, which in those days often led to banishment, disfigurement, and a lonely death. The young slave girl could have said nothing, but she loved God and others and had good news to share. She told Naaman’s wife that he should go to Elisha the prophet and be healed. Naaman was humbled by that, but he eventually did what he was told and was healed. Naaman’s life turned around, and he became a follower of God in a foreign land. This story could easily have turned out differently. But a young girl chose to share the love of God, and she opened a door for healing and restoration to happen. Naaman was in a tough situation, but Elisha blessed him with peace. We too have choices to make. We can hold back and justify our reasons for not sharing our faith, or we can choose to be gracious and giving even to people who may have offended or harmed us. What can you do to share God’s love and bring peace? Dear God, help us to share your message of hope and healing, even if we are tempted to hold on to grudges or bitterness. In Jesus, Amen.