You Thought Wrong

Prayer

Protocol

Text: 2 Kings 5:11-14

2 Kings 5:11–14 KJV 1900

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Thesis: You Thought Wrong

Qualifying Statement:

Have you ever felt angry with God when life doesn't go as planned? This month, we're exploring conflict resolution with the Divine, focusing on how our expectations can create barriers between us and God. We'll examine the story of Naaman, reflecting on how our preconceived notions about God's actions can lead to misunderstanding and doubt. This journey may challenge you, but it promises to deepen your understanding of God's ways and strengthen your faith.

Background:

To understand the context of our narrative, let's journey through the first four chapters of 2 Kings, viewing the tumultuous landscape of Israel through the eyes of the prophet Elisha.

The book opens with the dramatic ascension of Elijah, Elisha's mentor, into heaven (2 Kings 2).

This event marks a pivotal transition in Israel's prophetic leadership. Elisha, now bearing Elijah's mantle, steps into a nation fraught with spiritual and political instability.

In the northern kingdom, we witness a succession of morally compromised rulers.

King Ahaziah's brief, idolatrous reign (2 Kings 1) is followed by his brother Joram (2 Kings 3).

Though Joram makes some attempts to turn from the sins of his predecessors, his reign is characterized by a dangerous flirtation with polytheism, mirroring the spiritual confusion of his people.

Amidst this backdrop, Elisha emerges as a beacon of divine authority.

His ministry is marked by a series of miracles that demonstrate God's power and provision:

He purifies poisoned water in Jericho (2 Kings 2:19-22)

He multiplies a widow's oil, saving her from destitution (2 Kings 4:1-7)

He raises the Shunammite woman's son from the dead (2 Kings 4:8-37)

He purifies a pot of poisoned stew (2 Kings 4:38-41)

He multiplies loaves to feed a hundred men (2 Kings 4:42-44)

These miracles serve a dual purpose: they meet immediate needs and affirm Elisha's prophetic authority in a time when such leadership was desperately needed.

As we approach the story of Naaman in chapter 5, Israel stands at a crossroads.

The nation, particularly the northern kingdom, is grappling with its identity and allegiance.

Will they fully embrace the God of their fathers, or will they continue to be seduced by the gods of surrounding nations?

Elisha's ministry serves as a constant reminder of Yahweh's power and presence, challenging both rulers and common people to turn back to the true God.

It's in this climate of spiritual uncertainty and divine intervention that we encounter Naaman, a foreign military commander seeking healing.

His story is set to become another testament to God's power, not just to heal physical ailments, but to transform hearts and challenge deeply held assumptions about how the Divine chooses to work in the world.

False Expectations: The Root of Our Relational Struggles

Our journey through 2 Kings 5:11-14 reveals a profound truth: our expectations often become the greatest obstacle in our relationships, especially our relationship with God.

Let's explore how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment, anger, and even spiritual stagnation, and discover how embracing God's ways can lead to transformation and healing.

Consider Naaman, a great warrior afflicted with leprosy. When he finally reaches the prophet Elisha for healing, his reaction is... unexpected.

2 Kings 5:11 KJV 1900

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

Naaman's anger stemmed from unmet expectations.

He had a script in his mind of how this healing should unfold.

When reality didn't match his expectations, he went away angry.

Sound familiar?

How often do we find ourselves in Naaman's sandals, frustrated because things didn't unfold as we anticipated?

The Genesis of Expectations

Our expectations are shaped by a rich tapestry of life experiences, cultural influences, and personal biases.

Think of the high-achieving family where academic success is the norm.

A child raised in this environment might unconsciously set impossibly high standards for themselves and others as they step into their first leadership role at work.

Cultural and religious upbringings also play a significant role.

Someone raised in a faith tradition emphasizing miraculous interventions might struggle to reconcile their beliefs with medical advice during a health crisis, expecting divine healing rather than embracing long-term treatment.

And then there's the role of personal pride.

An artist, confident in their abilities, might dismiss constructive criticism, expecting only praise for their work.

This self-assurance, while valuable in many contexts, can sometimes blind us to opportunities for growth and improvement.

These influences - our past, our culture, our ego - intertwine to create the lens through which we view the world, often shaping our expectations in ways we don't even realize.

It's a subtle but powerful force, coloring our perceptions and reactions to the world around us.

We craft these mental scripts, these predetermined outcomes, and then we cling to them as if they're gospel truth.

But here's the kicker: our expectations aren't just passive thoughts.

They're active forces shaping our perceptions and reactions.

When reality doesn't align with our expectations, the result?

Disappointment.

Anger.

Resentment.

God's 'Foolish' Plan

Now, let's talk about God's plans.

Often, they seem downright foolish to our human minds.

We're like Naaman, expecting a grand gesture, when God's asking us to take a simple dip in the Jordan.

Throughout Scripture, we see God's methods challenging human logic:

Noah building an ark on dry land (Genesis 6:14-22)

Moses stretching out his staff to part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16)

Joshua and the Israelites marching around Jericho (Joshua 6:1-5)

Gideon reducing his army from 32,000 to 300 (Judges 7:1-7)

Jesus telling the disciples to feed 5000+ with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:15-21)

In each instance, God's plan seemed ludicrous by human standards.

Yet, it was precisely in that seeming foolishness that God's wisdom and power were magnified.

The Better Way Syndrome

How often do we fall into the trap of thinking we have a better way?

We pray for guidance, but when God's answer doesn't match our expectations, we balk.

We hesitate.

We might even walk away angry, like Naaman.

Remember, Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us:

Isaiah 55:8–9 KJV 1900

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.

The Relational Wreckage

Now, let's get personal.

How many friendships have been strained because someone didn't meet our unspoken expectations?

How many family gatherings have been tense because reality didn't match our mental script?

Picture this: You're planning a surprise party for a friend.

You've imagined their reaction - tears of joy, heartfelt hugs.

But when the moment comes, they simply smile and say thanks.

Disappointment crashes over you.

The party suddenly feels like a failure.

But was it? Or did your expectations set you up for disappointment?

Or consider this:

You've been praying for a promotion at work.

You've visualized the moment, planned how you'll share the news with your family.

But the promotion goes to someone else.

Suddenly, you're questioning God's goodness, His plan for your life.

But is God really at fault? Or did your expectations blind you to other opportunities, other paths He might be opening?

The Divine Disconnect

Perhaps the most damaging impact of our false expectations is on our relationship with God.

We create a mental image of how God should act, how He should answer our prayers.

And when He doesn't conform to our expectations?

Here are some specific situations where we may feel like God doesn't conform to our expectations:

Asking God for healing from a chronic illness, but symptoms persist or worsen

Seeking God's guidance in finding a spouse, yet remaining single longer than anticipated

Expecting to conceive a child easily, but facing infertility or miscarriage

Believing for financial breakthrough, but encountering unexpected debts or expenses

Praying for reconciliation in a broken relationship, only to see it deteriorate further

Trusting God for protection, then experiencing a traumatic event or loss

In each of these situations, our expectations of how God should act or answer our prayers can lead to feelings of disappointment, confusion, or even a crisis of faith when outcomes differ from what we envisioned.

We feel betrayed, disappointed, even angry.

But here's the truth bomb: God is not bound by our expectations.

He's not confined by our limited understanding or our shortsighted desires.

He sees the big picture, the eternal perspective that we can't comprehend.

As we've seen, our expectations can create significant barriers in our relationships, especially with God.

But what if there's a deeper meaning behind God's unexpected methods?

What if the very thing that frustrates us is actually the key to our transformation?

Body Point 2: Why The Jordan?

1. The Significance of the Jordan (verse 12)

Naaman's question, "Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?" reveals a common human tendency to rely on our own understanding and preferences.

The Jordan River holds a unique place in biblical history.

It's not merely a geographical feature but a powerful symbol of God's covenant and transformative power.

This river witnessed Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Elijah being taken up to heaven, and later, John the Baptist preparing the way for the Messiah.

The name "Jordan," meaning "to descend" or "to flow down," carries profound spiritual implications.

It suggests a descent into humility, a flowing away of our old nature, and a submission to God's will.

I believe this is where the old Saints got the inspiration from the song let’s go down by the river

Moreover, the Jordan represents a boundary between the known and the unknown, the old life and the new.

Just as the Israelites crossed the Jordan to enter their promise, Naaman had to cross the threshold of his pride to enter his healing.

This crossing symbolizes a spiritual paradigm shift, a moment of surrender where human logic gives way to divine wisdom.

What's your Jordan?

What deeply held belief or cherished idea might God be asking you to let go of to receive His blessing?

2. The Power of Persistence and the Symbolism of Seven (verse 14a)

Naaman's act of dipping seven times in the Jordan is rich with symbolism and spiritual lessons.

The number seven in Scripture often represents completeness or perfection.

These seven dips can be seen as a process of complete purification, both physical and spiritual.

This sevenfold action mirrors other significant biblical events:

the seven days of creation, the seven trumpets of Revelation, or the seven-fold sprinkling of blood before the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14).

Each dip can be viewed as a stage in our spiritual journey:

Conviction: Recognizing our need for God's intervention

Repentance: Turning away from our old ways

Faith: Trusting in God's method, even when it seems illogical

Justification: Being declared righteous by God

Regeneration: Experiencing new life in Christ

Adoption: Becoming part of God's family

Sanctification: The ongoing process of being made holy

This process teaches us that transformation is often gradual.

We might not see results immediately, but each act of obedience brings us closer to our miracle.

The message here is clear: persevere in faith, even when immediate results are not visible.

Your breakthrough might come at the seventh dip!

3. The Triumph of Trust and the Paradox of Divine Healing (verses 13-14)

Naaman's initial rejection of Elisha's instructions highlights the clash between human expectations and divine methods.

This scenario presents a profound paradox: sometimes, the path to healing may seem too simple or illogical to our sophisticated minds.

Yet, it's in this simplicity that God often chooses to display His power.

The rivers of Damascus, familiar and logical to Naaman, represent our human solutions and comfort zones.

God's call to the unfamiliar Jordan challenges us to step out in faith.

This narrative invites us to examine our own lives:

How often do we miss God's blessings because they don't align with our expectations?

Are we willing to embrace God's methods, even when they contradict our understanding?

Naaman's healing was not just skin-deep.

The phrase "like the flesh of a little child" suggests a complete renewal, perhaps symbolic of spiritual rebirth.

This total restoration came through complete surrender and obedience.

It teaches us that when we fully submit to God's process, we open ourselves to experience not just healing, but total transformation.

Furthermore, this story foreshadows the ultimate healing offered through Christ.

Just as Naaman had to humble himself and wash in the Jordan, we are called to humble ourselves and be washed in the waters of baptism, symbolizing our death to the old self and resurrection to new life in Christ.

We've seen how God's unexpected methods can lead to profound transformation.

But what about those times when life seems completely out of our control?

How can we trust God when nothing makes sense?

Body Point 3: We must trust God's Providence

1. "You are here on purpose, not by accident."

Picture this: A young Israelite girl, torn from her home, now a captive in a foreign land.

A powerful military commander, respected and feared, yet afflicted with a devastating disease.

And a prophet of God, residing in Samaria, far from the corridors of power.

At first glance, these seem like random, disconnected individuals.

But in God's providential plan, they are key players in a divine drama.

Have you ever felt out of place?

Perhaps you've found yourself in a job you never imagined, a city you never planned to live in, or facing a challenge you never anticipated.

You might be tempted to chalk it up to bad luck or unfortunate circumstances.

But child of God, where you are is no accident.

Just as God positioned that young girl in Naaman's household, just as He kept Naaman in his position of authority despite his illness, just as He stationed Elisha in Samaria, He has placed you exactly where He wants you to be.

This is God's providence at work - orchestrating circumstances and positioning people for His divine purpose.

That difficult coworker? That challenging neighborhood? That unexpected health crisis?

These are not random occurrences, but divine appointments.

You are where you are for such a time as this!

God's providence ensures that you are perfectly placed for His purpose.

2. "God's clock is never a minute fast or a second slow."

Now, let's marvel at the impeccable timing of our Lord.

Notice how the capture of the servant girl, the progression of Naaman's leprosy, and Elisha's ministry all converge at this critical moment.

It's a symphony of divine timing, each note played at exactly the right instant.

How many times have we grown impatient with God's timing?

We pray, we plead, we bargain, wondering why our circumstances remain unchanged.

"Lord," we cry, "why haven't You answered yet? Why must I wait?"

But beloved, God's providence ensures that His clock never runs fast or slow - it's always right on time.

When the Israelites were backed up against the Red Sea, with Pharaoh's army bearing down on them, God's deliverance came at the perfect moment.

When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, God shut the mouths of those beasts at precisely the right second.

And in your life, dear friend, God's timing is just as precise.

That job offer that seems delayed, that healing that hasn't manifested yet, that breakthrough you've been longing for - trust that God's providential timing is intentional and perfect.

3. "In God's hands, your breakdown can become a breakthrough."

Lastly, let us stand in awe of God's preserving power.

Despite Naaman's leprosy, a condition that should have been a death sentence, God preserves his life.

Why? So that His will can be accomplished and His glory revealed.

Think about it - how many times has God preserved you?

Through that near-miss accident, that financial crisis, that health scare. God's providence, expressed through His keeping power, defies human logic and transcends physical limitations.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Even in illness, hardship, or seeming defeat, God's providence is at work, preserving us for His divine purpose.

And lest we think this is just a New Testament concept, remember what Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20

Genesis 50:20 KJV 1900

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

This is providence in action!

"When life seems out of control, remember - God never is."

As we conclude, let this powerful truth sink deep into your spirit: Our God is never, ever out of control.

In the most chaotic circumstances, in the most dire situations, in the most hopeless moments - God's providence reigns supreme.

Ephesians 1:11 KJV 1900

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

This, beloved, is the essence of God's providence.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, when life seems to be spiraling out of control, remember - God's providence never wavers.

The same God who orchestrated the healing of Naaman through a captive girl's word, a prophet's instruction, and a river's water, is the same God who oversees every detail of your life.

Whether you're feeling displaced like that young servant girl, afflicted like Naaman, or called to an unconventional ministry like Elisha, know this - you are part of God's grand providential design.

Your current circumstances, no matter how challenging, are part of His perfect plan.

Trust in His providence. Rest in His timing. Rely on His preservation. For He is working all things together for your good and His glory. Amen.