734) Whether or not we realize it, we have this “built in” self-confidence that turns on and off frequently; it is the confidence that makes us think our way of doing something is the best way. This can be an annoying trait in a marriage, business, church or classroom. This is often problematic because we do not have the foresight or take on the insight that what others think may be just as valid or even more so than the way we insist upon.

This problem with always needing to do something “my way” is illustrated in 2 Kings 5:1-14. A highly respected soldier in the king’s army, Naaman, has leprosy. He hears of the power that God has given Elisha, and he goes to see him in order to be healed. Though it does not say here in the text, it’s fairly obvious that Naaman had his own idea of how this healing should take place. Instead, Elisha commands him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. This command makes Naaman angry because he was convinced that no healing could happen Elisha’s way. Fortunately, Naaman is advised to do it, and the man receives God’s healing.

It’s hard to give up ‘my way’ because we continually justify why we think that’s how it should be done. What if, in doing this, we miss some of God’s greatest blessings?