The Hard Work of Obedience

The Hard Work of Obedience I often wonder what Naaman was thinking as he walked into the Jordan River. The water wasn’t impressive. In fact, parts of the Jordan River are muddy and unpleasant. This powerful commander was standing in a river that probably smelled bad, surrounded by people watching him. And God told him he had to submerge himself seven times. I imagine the thoughts running through his mind. “This might make me sicker!” “This is ridiculous!” “What if this doesn’t work?” “What will people think?” Obedience can feel uncomfortable like that. God’s instructions don’t always match our expectations. Sometimes they challenge our pride, our reputation, and our sense of control. But Naaman eventually chose obedience. And obedience requires full surrender. The Bible says in the Wisdom Book of Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV) Following God means trusting Him even when we don’t understand the process. It means letting go of our preferred solutions and embracing His wisdom instead. Naaman had to release his dignity, his pride, and his expectations. Only then could he experience healing… And he did! The same is true for us. Sometimes the greatest miracles happen on the other side of simple obedience. The hard work of obedience is rarely glamorous, but it is always powerful. God isn’t asking us to understand everything. He’s asking us to trust Him enough to follow. Can you trust God beyond the 7th time? Let’s pray together: Lord, help me trust you even when your instructions challenge my pride or my plans. Give me the courage to obey you fully. Teach me to surrender my understanding and follow your wisdom. In the name of Jesus, Amen. You are a miracle! Grant Fishbook