NOT YOUR WAY

 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8


One of the biggest challenges humanity faces is not understanding the ways of God. This disconnect grieves God, as it keeps us from experiencing the fullness of His love and guidance. As He said about the nation of Israel: "For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, 'They are a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways.'" (Psalm 95:10). When we don’t know God, we tend to expect everything to be done according to our own plans.

When Naaman came to the prophet Elisha to be healed of his leprosy. Naaman already had a vision in his mind of how this healing would happen. But instead of Elisha coming out to perform a dramatic healing ritual, he simply sent a messenger with a strange instruction: "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River." Naaman was offended and angry, saying, "Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.'" (2 Kings 5:11).

If we don’t understand God’s ways, it’s easy to feel as though He isn’t responding to our needs—simply because He isn’t acting in the way we expect. Naaman was so disappointed by Elisha’s response that he nearly walked away, risking his miracle. Fortunately, he had wise advisors who encouraged him to follow the prophet’s instructions. When he humbled himself and washed in the Jordan as instructed, he was healed.

Naaman’s story teaches us that God’s answers don’t always align with our expectations. Sometimes, the breakthrough we seek requires us to surrender our own ideas of how things should happen and trust that God knows best. Just as Naaman had to change his perspective and obey God’s instruction, we too can experience His blessings when we let go of our need for control.

Is there something in your life where you’re clinging to your own expectations? Think about areas where God may already have given you guidance, whether through Scripture, prayer, or conviction in your heart. Act on what He’s already shown you, then leave the outcome in His hands, trusting that He will accomplish it in His way.

Prayer: Lord, I ask that You teach me Your ways and give me the obedience to follow what You have told me. Amen.

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