The Voice that breeds confidence

Naaman was a General, one who was close to the king, respected and honored throughout the land but he had a problem. He was a big man with a big problem. So he went to see someone who could help him out. He arrived at Elisha's house in all his grandeur as a Syrian General. Nevertheless the one whom he came to visit did not even take the time to step out of the house to greet him, only sent a lowly messenger albeit with a mighty message. The message sent was here the solution to the general's problem, but the way it was delivered was quite off-handish and almost disrespectful of the General.

Do we spend too much of our time listening to the voice and the pomp and grandeur of man; a boss, a powerful politician, a rich investor rather than listening to the one who is able to supply lasting solutions? Which would Naaman have preferred, a bowing and subservient Elisha falling over his feet to please him in every way but not able to heal a headache or a powerful child of God who had the right word for the situation. I know which one I'd prefer.

How great it would be if I could depend more on his Voice and act accordingly rather than to depend on the expectations of men and act according to their script, a script which does not produce lasting fruit. Elisha's obedience to God's voice paved the way for something great and miraculous in the life of Naaman. May we learn obedience and sensitivity too so that our life and words can impact God's greatness on those around us who are already asking and looking for it. May we learn to focus on the attitudes and behaviors that strengthen and demonstrate God's gifts and talents in our lives while we drop those that drain and distract us from our life goals. In Jesus Name. Amen.

What does surrender mean?

Surrender can be a tough thing to do. Does it mean not feeling rough when someone steps on my toes? Does it mean not even having any toes at all? Does it mean the freedom to explode when my toes are touched and not feel guilty about it but I know God has already forgiven me and that's just the way I am?

Don't really know but I wish I did really... maybe I do but just do not want to accept this cos it's not easy to do? I'd really like to be fully surrendered to God in such a way that I would have no qualms or shame even when others take advantage of me as a result of this. But then would the world not say that I am a fool? How would I be able to compete with my peers in a corporate setting where it's dog eat dog? How would I make progress and be able to feed my family still?

Question: will I really lose out if I am fully surrendered? Abraham did it! Moses did it! Albeit the hard way. Maybe thats what I also need. One thing I know. I don't want to do things my way, only God's way. So help me Lord. Amen.