Miracles Through Humility: Naaman's Journey of Faith
Summary
Do you believe that God’s miracles still happen today? The story of Naaman’s healing in 2 Kings 5 reminds us that miracles are not just ancient tales, but living realities that God desires to work in and through us. Each of us is, in fact, a miracle—evidence of God’s grace and power. My own journey from skepticism to faith is a testament to this truth. The path to experiencing God’s miracles is not reserved for the extraordinary, but is open to all who walk in faith, humility, and obedience.
Naaman, a powerful general, was brought low by leprosy—a disease that no amount of status or wealth could cure. Yet, the catalyst for his healing was not a king or prophet, but an unnamed, captive Israelite girl. Despite her suffering and loss, she remained confident in God’s power and compassionate toward her captor. Her simple, bold witness set off a chain reaction that reached the highest levels of government. This is a powerful reminder that God often uses unsung heroes—those who seem insignificant in the world’s eyes—to advance His kingdom and perform His greatest works.
The story also exposes the limitations of human pride and expectation. Naaman arrived with riches and assumptions, expecting a grand gesture from the prophet Elisha. Instead, he was met with a simple command: wash in the Jordan River seven times. Offended by the lack of ceremony and the perceived insult to his status, Naaman nearly missed his miracle. It was only through the humble counsel of his servants—those who practiced obedience and humility daily—that he was persuaded to lay aside his pride and obey.
Obedience, even in the ordinary and unimpressive, is the final step on the path to God’s wonder. Naaman’s healing came not through spectacle, but through simple, repeated acts of trust. In the same way, our lives are often spent somewhere between the first and seventh time doing what God asks—confessing, forgiving, serving, worshiping. The miracle is not always immediate or dramatic, but as we persist in faith, God brings about a deeper healing and restoration than we could ever achieve on our own.
God’s miracles are not just about physical healing, but about the transformation of our hearts—restoring us to the fullness of life He intended. Each act of faith, each humble step of obedience, is part of God’s ongoing miracle in us. Let us walk this path together, confident that God is still at work, making us His masterpieces for His glory.
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Key Takeaways
- God Uses Unsung Heroes to Ignite Miracles
The unnamed Israelite slave girl, despite her suffering and loss, became the spark for Naaman’s healing through her confident witness and compassion. Her faith, not her status, set in motion a chain of events that reached kings and prophets. This reminds us that God often works through those who seem overlooked or powerless, and that our small acts of faithfulness can have far-reaching impact. [12:28]
- Confidence in God Sustains Our Humanity and Compassion
The slave girl’s ability to care for her enemy, the very man whose army destroyed her life, flowed from her unshaken faith in God. When we hold fast to God, our capacity for compassion—even toward those who have wronged us—remains intact. True faith not only connects us to God, but also preserves and deepens our humanity in the face of suffering. [14:17]
- Pride Blocks the Flow of God’s Grace
Naaman’s initial response to Elisha’s simple command was anger and offense, rooted in his pride and expectations. Pride is a spiritual leprosy that blinds us to God’s ways and prevents us from receiving His grace. Only when Naaman humbled himself and obeyed did he experience healing, showing that humility is the gateway to God’s miraculous work. [26:12]
- Obedience in the Ordinary Leads to Extraordinary Restoration
Naaman’s healing did not come through dramatic gestures, but through repeated, simple obedience—dipping in the muddy Jordan seven times. Much of our spiritual life is spent faithfully doing what God asks, even when it seems unimpressive or fruitless. In the end, God uses these ordinary acts to bring about extraordinary transformation and restoration. [37:57]
- The Faith of Others Sustains Us When Ours Falters
Naaman’s servants played a crucial role in encouraging him to obey when he was ready to give up. Their steady faith and practical wisdom kept hope alive and opened the door to his miracle. This highlights the importance of community and the need to surround ourselves with people whose faith can carry us through our moments of doubt and weakness. [32:19]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Personal Testimony: Becoming God’s Miracle
[06:00] - Naaman’s Story: The Valiant Leper
[07:17] - The Path of a Miracle: Witness, Wisdom, Wonder
[09:07] - The Contrast: Naaman and the Slave Girl
[12:28] - The Power of Unsung Witnesses
[14:17] - Compassion Rooted in Faith
[15:12] - The Kingdom Advanced by Ordinary Heroes
[16:51] - Sacrifice and the Impact of Community
[19:56] - Pride, Expectation, and God’s Unconventional Wisdom
[21:37] - Naaman’s Approach: Wealth and Status
[23:10] - The Humbling of Naaman
[24:00] - False Expectations and God’s True Promises
[26:12] - Pride as Spiritual Leprosy
[32:19] - The Role of Community in Faith
[36:22] - The Wonder of Obedience and Restoration
[38:40] - Ministry and Prayer Response
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Path of a Miracle (2 Kings 5:1-14)
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### Bible Reading
2 Kings 5:1-14 (ESV)
_Naaman Healed of Leprosy_
1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife.
3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.”
5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.
6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.”
7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”
8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house.
10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.”
11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”
14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
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### Observation Questions
1. Who are the main characters in this story, and what are their roles in Naaman’s healing? (2 Kings 5:1-14)
2. What was the unnamed Israelite girl’s response to her situation, and how did it affect Naaman’s life? [[12:28]]
3. How did Naaman initially react to Elisha’s instructions, and what does this reveal about his expectations? [[19:56]]
4. What role did Naaman’s servants play in the outcome of the story? [[32:19]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon describes the Israelite slave girl as an “unsung hero.” What does her example teach about how God uses people who seem insignificant or powerless? [[12:28]]
2. Naaman’s pride almost kept him from being healed. Why do you think pride is described as “spiritual leprosy” in the sermon? [[26:12]]
3. The story shows that obedience in simple, ordinary things can lead to extraordinary results. Why do you think God often works through ordinary acts rather than dramatic miracles? [[37:57]]
4. The faith of Naaman’s servants helped him when he was ready to give up. What does this say about the importance of community and the faith of others in our spiritual journey? [[32:19]]
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### Application Questions
1. The unnamed Israelite girl showed compassion to Naaman, even though he was her enemy and captor. Is there someone in your life who has hurt you, but whom God might be calling you to show compassion or kindness to? What would that look like this week? [[14:17]]
2. The sermon says that “pride is a spiritual leprosy.” Can you think of a time when your own pride kept you from receiving help, grace, or a blessing from God or others? What would it look like to humble yourself in a similar situation now? [[26:12]]
3. Naaman almost missed his miracle because he expected something dramatic, but God asked him to do something simple. Are there “ordinary” things God is asking you to do right now that you’ve been overlooking or resisting? What is one step of obedience you can take this week? [[37:57]]
4. The faith and encouragement of Naaman’s servants helped him obey when he was discouraged. Who in your life encourages your faith when you are struggling? How can you be that person for someone else this month? [[32:19]]
5. The sermon says, “Much of our spiritual life is spent somewhere between the first and seventh time doing what God asks.” Is there an area in your life where you feel like you’re repeating the same act of faith or obedience without seeing results? How can you persevere and trust God’s timing? [[36:22]]
6. The pastor shared his own story of moving from skepticism to faith, calling himself “God’s miracle.” In what ways do you see God’s miracle at work in your own life, even if it’s not dramatic? [[02:30]]
7. The story began and ended with “unsung heroes”—the slave girl and the servants. What is one “small” act of faithfulness you can do this week that might have a bigger impact than you realize? [[12:28]]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite group members to pray for humility, faith, and the courage to obey God in both ordinary and difficult situations. Pray for eyes to see God’s miracles in daily life and for the strength to encourage one another in faith.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Miracles Are for Today and for You
The story of Naaman’s healing reminds us that God’s miracles are not just ancient stories but living realities meant for our lives today. Even when we feel unworthy or unlikely, God’s grace can break into our circumstances in unexpected ways. Each of us is a miracle of God’s love, called to experience and expand His miraculous work in our daily lives. The transformation of Naaman, a foreign general, shows that God’s power is not limited by our backgrounds, doubts, or brokenness—He desires to restore and use each of us for His glory. [02:30]
2 Kings 5:1-14 (ESV)
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.” But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to believe that God’s miracle-working power is still available for you today, and how can you invite Him into that area right now?
Day 2: Unsung Heroes—The Power of Ordinary Witness
The unnamed Israelite slave girl, despite her suffering and loss, boldly witnessed to God’s power and compassion, setting in motion a chain of events that led to Naaman’s healing. Her faith was not diminished by her circumstances; instead, her confidence in God overflowed into compassion for her enemy. This story reminds us that God often uses ordinary, overlooked people—unsung heroes—to advance His kingdom and perform miracles. Our small acts of faith and witness, even when unnoticed, can have far-reaching impact beyond what we imagine. [13:28]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can encourage or point to God this week, even if you feel unnoticed or unqualified?
Day 3: Humility Opens the Door to God’s Grace
Naaman’s pride nearly cost him his healing, as he expected God to work according to his own status and assumptions. Elisha’s simple, even humbling, instructions were designed to confront Naaman’s ego and reveal that God’s grace flows to the humble, not the self-sufficient. Pride is a spiritual leprosy that blocks God’s love and power, but humility—letting go of our own importance and trusting God’s wisdom—opens us to His miraculous work. True humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but seeing ourselves honestly before God and obeying Him with gratitude. [26:12]
James 4:6 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Reflection: What is one area where your pride or expectations might be blocking God’s work in your life, and how can you practice humility and surrender there today?
Day 4: The Steady Faith of Others Sustains Us
Naaman’s healing was not just the result of his own faith, but also the steady, practical faith of his servants who encouraged him to obey God’s simple command. When we are weak, discouraged, or doubting, the faith of others can carry us and keep us moving toward God’s promises. This is why community and spiritual family are so vital—when we show up, open up, and seek out support, we find strength in the faithfulness of those around us. God often uses the encouragement and wisdom of others to help us receive His miracles. [31:45]
Romans 1:12 (ESV)
That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Reflection: When have you been strengthened by someone else’s faith, and how can you intentionally show up for someone in your community this week?
Day 5: Obedience in the Ordinary Brings Extraordinary Restoration
Naaman’s healing came not through dramatic gestures, but through simple, repeated obedience—dipping in the Jordan seven times as instructed. Often, God’s miracles unfold as we faithfully do the ordinary things He asks of us, even when we see no immediate results. Our ultimate restoration is not something we achieve by our own effort, but a gift of God’s grace received through trust and obedience. As we walk in daily faithfulness, we can trust that God is working extraordinary restoration in our lives, even when it feels unspectacular. [37:57]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Reflection: What is one ordinary act of obedience God is calling you to persist in today, trusting that He will bring about His restoration in His time?
Quotes
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