OCTOBER 22, 2 Kings 5:5-9 

Children, you may have heard of someone diagnosed with cancer. It is a scary illness as there is no known cure. Leprosy was such a disease. Desperate to get well, Naaman was on the constant lookout for a miracle cure. So, when he learnt that Elisha of Israel could heal, his hope was raised. He was determined to seek Elisha out at all costs.

Now, the kings of Syria and Israel were not on good terms. Being a good subject, the hopeful Naaman sought permission from his king before heading for Israel. The king of Syria not only gave his approval but also wrote a letter to the king of Israel. The content was a request for a healer for Naaman’s leprosy.

The reaction of the Israelite king to the letter was strange. He was so terrified that he tore his clothes and sat in sackcloth and ashes. Why was he mourning? He misconstrued the letter of diplomacy to be an excuse to invade Israel. He knew of no man who could cure a leper. The king of Syria must be placing a trap for him, he thought. Interestingly, he acknowledged that only God can heal. Aha, if only he had been faithful to the Lord, he would have known all about Prophet Elisha and his miracles. He would not have to be in such a panic.

As soon as Elisha found out why the king was mourning, he sent him a message rebuking him and telling him to send Naaman over. Elisha could heal him. If the king of Israel had been a godly king, he would have peace in his heart. He would have known: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” What is there to fear?

In a tough situation, the Israelite king was hopeless for he did not have God to help him. People without God will rely on themselves. On the other hand, Naaman placed his trust in God. In a tough situation, he relied on God and pinned his hopes on the Almighty.

How about you? In a tough situation, do you trust in yourself or your friends? Or do you turn to God in prayer? God can always give help through friends, but turn to Him first!

Thought: With God, an endless hope. Without God, a hopeless end.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let my hope be in Thee so that I will not be afraid of difficulties in my life. Help me to pray to Thee, and to learn the blessed peace that comes from committing everything into Your hands. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.