I really felt that the message at church today was one that I needed to hear. Our senior pastor, Bill Hybels, taught from the book of 2 Kings (Book 5) about Naaman being healed of Leprosy. Now, while turning 30 tomorrow is not nearly as terrible as suffering with this fateful disease, I did draw some comparisons. Well, I decided that there were several key points from the story that I am going to apply to the next 30 years of my life...
The story of Naaman is an interesting one. This glorious war-hero was an honest and good man who lived a decent life. He was respected by people both above and below him, for the ways he treated others and lived in general. Regardless of this though, he contracted leprosy, a death sentence during that time for sure-- the equivalent of being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer today...everyone knew he was going to die.
Naaman had a servant girl in his home though, that served his wife. A young Isrealite girl, taken from her family at a young age and sold into slavery, not much else is really known about her-- except that she had an amazing heart for God. When she found out about Naaman's condition, she let her master know (in 2 Kings 5 verse 3) "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."
Upon being told that, Naaman's wife and the king of Aram (modern day Syria) encouraged Naaman to go to "try" to be healed. Upon reaching the prophet Elisha's house, Naaman was encountered by only a messenger, not Elisha himself, as he had anticipated. When the messenger told Naaman to bathe himself seven times in the Jordan River and he would be healed, Naaman became even more frustrated and angry wondering how this river was any different from one in his home state. He had traveled a long way, and with goods from the king...but for this? Fortunately for him, his servants who were travelling with him pointed out that he should at least TRY something that was so simple to do. They pointed out to him that if he had been asked to do much greater things, he probably would have done them, so why not at least try something so simple? He humbled himself and went to bathe in the river-- and he was not only healed, but his "flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy".
There were four key points from this story that our pastor focused on today-- and that really effected me that I want to share:
1) Whatever you do, do your best. Scripture tells us in Colossians 3: 23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Naaman was called to be a soldier, and he was one of the best soldiers around. That is how we need to be at whatever we do-- I am going to strive to be the best mother I can be, best doula/educator/small business owner that I can be, the best wife I can be, the best friend I can be...and all of these things I am going to do to honor God.
2) Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need help from time to time and should not be afraid to ask for it-- from God, our families, or our friends. You know how the old Beatles song goes, right? Over my next 30, I am not going to be afraid to admit to what I can't do on my own and to ask for help when I need it. Don't I owe myself that much?
3) Don't fight evil with evil. When Naaman was upset, his servants encouraged him to relax and TRY what was suggested to him. Instead of growing more resentful and trying to kick some butt when he was upset, he humbled himself and the results were nothing short of miraculous. Pray for those who hurt you, even your enemies because that is what God wants us to do-- it is the Christian way to live, and maybe...just maybe through your example of faith, they can be changed as well. Yeah, holding a grudge can be fun- and it is usually easier than making amends (especially in some awkward situations) but is that the kind of life you want to create for yourself? One of bitterness, anger, and hatred? I don't, and I am going to work towards changing this aspect of my life.
4) Do all the little things asked of you instead of just waiting for the big ones. God asks us to do a lot of things, if we are listening and paying attention-- but do we think of them all as important? Or, do we only want to do the ennobling tasks that come with recognition and gain? As moms, we are going some valuable work, whether we think of it that way or not. God has entrusted us with HIS children to raise and care for. The saying, "I'm JUST a mom" isn't going to fly anymore-- at least in my next 30 years. I am going to do all of the things God asks of me regardless of their size or prestige.
I hope this little trip into the Old Testament was as meaningful to you as it was for me.
you're awesome. such a great post with many great thoughts. i appreciated you sharing your message so much. great to talk to you last night. hope you are getting a good night's sleep and you awake to a new day and embrace year 30. pamper and spoil yourself today. take care and i'll call you after day 1 and see how it's going. love ya.
Posted by: chris jenkins | June 29, 2009 at 05:46 AM