Simple Instructions
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight".
Recently I was talking with a friend and he was telling me that while he was talking 'turkey' with a friend, the friend asked for turkey hunting tips that would bring him success. I shared the importance of scouting, woodsmanship, and picking good setups. His facial expressions told me that wasn't what he wanted to hear. What he really wanted was some secret call or some little known technique that would put a gobbler in the back of his truck. Often throughout life I've done the very same thing. Instead of following simple instructions, I've wanted a magic pill or an easy plan that would deliver results 100% of the time.
Most hunters and fisherman are always on the lookout for the next gimmick that Will be instantly successful. Even those that are willing to work at getting better, they allow their eyes to wander through the pages of magazines, looking for the next "one sure thing" that will make the best at his sport. We've all met the guy that buys the last "as seen on tv" gadget... only to be let down.
In 2 Kings 5, Naaman, a distinguished Syrian army commander, was talked into visiting the prophet Elisha in hopes of being healed of his leprosy. Shortening the story, Naaman travels to Israel with lots of gifts expecting a grand gesture, but instead Elisha sends a messenger to meet him, telling him to go jump in a lake. Actually the message was to go to the Jordan River and wash in it seven times. It says that Naaman expected Elisha would meet with him, pray over him, say some magical words, or go through some secret rituals and instantly heal Naaman. He was insulted at the simplicity of the request and refused to do it, but his servant convinced him to follow the simple instructions. We read that after bathing in the Jordan River seven times, his skin was like that of a young boy and the leprosy was gone.
Often throughout life we all resist simple instructions. We want a magic pill or an easy plan that will deliver results 100% of the time. Just like Naaman, what we all really need to do is to humble ourselves, exercise faith and follow God's simple instructions.
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