THE GIFT OF MEN

People can possess great influence and wealth yet still suffer from deep afflictions. Many carry heavy wounds that they nurse behind closed doors in silent cries. Being rich or influential does not make a person immune to the struggles of life. Greatness does not eliminate needs, and these wounds are often not physical. We can see this clearly in the life of Naaman, a man of immense influence and wealth who faced a desperate situation. In many ways, we are just like Naaman. Outside, we are known as captains of industry, members of successful families, or high achievers decorated with trophies and badges of success. But behind closed doors, there are wounds that have eaten deep into our souls. Life does not respect influence or affluence. It does not bow to the strongest. In fact, the greatest people are often those with the most significant needs. There are some battles that only a God given relationship can help you win.

Influence does not protect you from deficiency. God has hidden the solutions to our afflictions within His ordained relationships. In the story of Naaman, the solution was found in a young maid who had been captured. We must realize that earthly power has its limits. No matter how great a throne is, it may be able to identify your problem without having the power to solve it. The King of Syria recognized Naaman’s problem, but he could not provide the cure. Being connected to royalty or having high status does not mean those people can solve your specific battles. Some relationships are royal, yet they offer no solutions to the deeper struggles of life.

When God sends a person to you, their outward appearance or status does not matter. If they are sent by Him, your solution is close at hand. An expensive garment or a high status does not guarantee a solution to your battles.

When the best systems fail, grace speaks. However, a destined relationship requires your humility. It may require an inconvenient movement from a place of comfort to a place of discomfort. It demands submission and honor toward the vessel God chooses to use for your healing. You must recognize the help and put in the effort required for the miraculous to happen. The captive maid introduced Naaman to the prophet Elisha. Naaman expected to go through the regular high level channels and royal doors. He thought it would be a simple "straight call" from one leader to another. Instead, God redirected him to His prophetic representative. Elisha represented the voice, the instruction, and the grace of God.

According to the scriptures, when Naaman arrived in Samaria to meet Elisha, he expected a ceremonial welcome befitting a grand captain. He expected drama, the laying on of hands, or a public display of power. Elisha did not give him that. He simply sent a word telling him to go wash in the Jordan seven times. We often love God enough to seek Him, but we do not always love Him enough to obey. True love for God means following His instructions to the letter, regardless of how humiliating they may seem or how they affect our reputation. Your obedience is the key to your deliverance from secret afflictions.

An ordained relationship will often challenge your pride. Obedience will ask you to do things that your ego dislikes. When Naaman heard the instruction, he was unhappy. He felt slighted because he did not receive the recognition he was used to. He compared the rivers of his own country to the Jordan and almost walked away from his miracle because of pride. Fortunately, God placed strategic servants around him who provided wise counsel. They encouraged him to stay humble and follow simple instructions. When he finally dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, he received his miracle. That miracle did not start in the water. It started with the act of obedience.

We need God ordained relationships. We need people who can correct us without fear, and we must be willing to listen regardless of their age, gender, education, or status. Our breakthroughs are often just one step of obedience away.

For Naaman, the miracle required a maid, a prophetic instruction, the counsel of servants, and a river.

• Some relationships are doors.
  
• Some are platforms for destiny.
  
• Some are keys.
  
• Others are bridges connecting you to your miracle.

Do not let pride stand in your way. Do not judge people by their class before you listen to them. You might be ignoring the very relationship God has placed in your life to put you on the right path.

Please make a correction today. The gift of men is God's provision for you to fulfill your destiny, to heal from affliction, and to walk correctly with Him.

If you are not currently in a right relationship with God, now is the time to fix that.

Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. Forgive me for my sins and write my name in the book of Life. Help me to reign with you in eternity. Lord, send me the gift of men and help me never to mishandle my relationships due to pride or disobedience. In Jesus' name, amen.