Going To The Doctor's Office

2 Kings 5:13 – Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" (NIV)

Probably like most men, I do not like to go to the doctor. I hurt my back, and it has caused me pain for years. It was not until my wife finally just took things into her own hands by finding a doctor and making the appointment that I went. It is also the same with my stomach. It has bothered me for years now, but I did not go to a doctor until my wife finally made me go. I remember my dad would never go to the doctor when he was sick or hurting. I think one reason I do not like to go to see a doctor is that I feel so helpless. I like to take care of myself. As I grow older I see that this is just my pride standing in my way.

The same thing happened to Naaman. He was a general for the king of Aram — an important man — but he had leprosy. To be cured he had to go to see a prophet in Israel. The prophet told him to bathe in the Jordan River seven times. This angered Naaman, because he let his pride stand in his way. He thought the prophet should stand before him and call on God to cure him. He thought God should meet him and treat him with respect. In the end, he swallowed his pride and did as the prophet had said.

Swallowing our pride is difficult sometimes, but we need to remember that we must surrender ourselves totally to God. We must humble ourselves before him. This has been a hard thing for me to do, but as I grow older I find a great comfort in giving myself totally to God. My pride may only serve to push me away from God. So first I must listen to what God says. Second, I must obey what he says. There is no room for negotiations. It is God's way all the way.

Prayer: Father, help us not to let our pride push us away from you. Instead, help us to be humble before you, and listen and obey you. In Jesus' name. Amen.