JULY 6: “WHEN YOU FEEL ENTITLED”

Naaman was a General in the army and a great achiever in his own right. He was a national figure with accolades. He dined with the king and had access to him anytime. Naaman’s social and political status was intimidating. He was also rich. Everything looked good, but he had a challenge that all his wealth and achievements could not solve. This problem would humble him any day, anytime because it was an obvious one.

This problem took him on a journey to Samaria to seek a lasting solution. Having observed all diplomatic protocols, he was now on the verge of receiving his much-needed miracle. The required condition was for him to obey a simple instruction: “go and wash yourself seven times in the river Jordan.” There and then, his ego came up, his pride showed up. He wanted his ego massaged and he desired that the miracle came on his own terms and not according to the divine instruction given by the prophet Elisha.

He was enraged and wanted to return in anger. He was persuaded to obey the simple instruction or depart with his age long problem. He consented and humbled himself to listen to and obey the instruction. That obedience changed everything. He got the much-needed healing and victory. If he had remained entitled and ego-centric, he would have lost the opportunity he travelled all the way to seek.

Many people have lost lifetimes of opportunity to the feeling of entitlement and pride. Just because things were not done on their own terms, they have walked away from their miracles. Miracles and blessings are not always dressed or packaged the exact way we want them. The package does not reduce the value of the blessings or miracles. Rather, we are the ones who must change our perspective and approach in order to receive them.

PRAYER: Father, help me not ruin my opportunities by any form of misbehavior. Deliver me from all feelings of entitlement and pride. Help me to discern your will for me per time in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.