Pride is Obvious

"Aren’t Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and left in a rage.

2 Kings 5:12 (HCSB)

I think you probably know the story of Naaman, the general-in-chief of the army of the king of Syria. He was esteemed by the king and benefited from all his favors. It was not without reason that he had such a privilege from the king, God being always with him on the battlefield. In plainer terms, he always won battles against other nations. When I first studied this passage, I had many questions about why God let him get leprosy. Why didn't He spare him from such illness?

It was only after carefully analyzing Elisha's first reaction and Naaman's words that I understood that God was in control of the situation. He had a plan far greater than the victories granted to Naaman. Even though Naaman knew his victories came from God, instead of being humble and grateful, he became proud, believing that his position as general-in-chief earned him the privilege of God's presence at his side. His pride was evident when Elisha refused to come to meet him to heal him. He expected a royal ceremony elevating him to the same level as Elisha.

Do you notice an area in your life in which you are not making progress? If so, ask yourself, “Why isn’t God blessing me in this particular area?” Perhaps you are in the same situation as Naaman. You believe you deserve God's grace and protection because of your position. If God hasn't already done so, I believe He will place someone like Elisha in your life to reveal to you where you need to repent. Even if you don't know it, your pride is obvious to God and to others. That's why He will keep you right where you are to cause you to change.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.