2 Kings 5:1–19

Naaman was a great man—a mighty warrior, a respected commander, and a man of considerable influence. But Scripture adds four sobering words: “But he was a leper” (2 Kings 5:1). For all his greatness, Naaman had a problem his greatness could not solve. Yet God was about to accomplish something extraordinary through some seemingly insignificant things.

It began with a little maid who became a pathway of hope. Taken captive from Israel, she served Naaman’s wife. Though powerless to change her own circumstances, she pointed her master toward the prophet of God. Her simple testimony set a miracle in motion. Never underestimate what God can accomplish through a seemingly insignificant voice.

Then there was a little river that became a place of healing. Naaman expected something spectacular, but Elisha instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan. Offended by the simplicity of the command, Naaman nearly walked away from his miracle. The power wasn’t in the river but in the God who directed him there.

Next, a little obedience became a lesson in humility. Naaman was willing to do something great, but God required something simple. When he finally humbled himself and obeyed, his flesh was restored like that of a little child. The man who commanded armies had to learn to surrender to God.

Finally, a little thankfulness became a presentation of honor. Naaman returned to Elisha, declaring, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel” (v. 15). His gratitude became a testimony to God’s greatness.

Naaman’s story begins with a great man facing an incurable problem and ends with a humbled man acknowledging a great God. Along the way, God used a little maid, an ordinary river, a simple act of obedience, and a grateful heart.

Never despise the little things. What seems insignificant to us may become the very means through which God accomplishes something extraordinary.

Guest author: Jane McGough Brown, “Night Musings“