What do you do when life as you once knew it is permanently altered and your safe surroundings are exchanged for the fearful unknown?
Naaman’s maidservant was a young girl abducted from her home in Israel and made to serve in her enemy’s home. The story can be found in 2 Kings 5
First, some history about the time of her capture.
Israel, the northern kingdom, had separated from Judah in 931 B.C. By Naaaman’s time Israel had existed for eighty years and had seen nine rebel kings introduce spiritual adultery to the land. God subjected the land to discipline in order to bring Israel to repentance, but people still worshiped the golden calves at Dan and Bethel and engaged in the worship of Baal and other deities. However, a remnant of people still followed the true God (1Kings 19:18). Naaman’s young maidservant probably came from one of these families.
Her king had been Jehoram, the ninth king of Israel who “did evil in the sight of the Lord.” The prophet Elijah was active during Jehoram’s first six years as king, while Elisha worked in the remainder. Though Jehoram once tried to kill Elisha (2Kings 6:31-32) he would sometimes heed the prophet’s advice, particularly during the time the Arameans were raiding the country. Naaman’s maidservant was captured during one of these raids.
Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:1-6)
This unnamed girl had the ear of an army commander, the commander’s wife, and two kings–the King of Aram and the King of Israel.
Why would they listen to a slave girl? Why did she have so much influence? The Bible does not elaborate on this, however we can surmise that this was God’s choice.
Living as a slave in a foreign land was a life chosen for this young woman. However, she chose to see herself as God’s child, not a slave. She chose to act on what her parents taught her. She chose to love her enemy.
The results of her choice were life changing for Naaman. He was saved both from the ravages of his disease and from alienation and judgment when he believed in God (vs. 15): “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.”
Naaman’s maidservant is a wonderful example of living for God no matter what the circumstances.
Do you feel trapped in a relationship, job or situation? Do your circumstances seem unfair or hopeless?
Will you join me today and chose to trust God no matter what?
Bio
Cherrilynn Bisbano is a speaker, teacher, and writer. Her passion for helping people is evident.
As a speaker, she encourages and equips women to rightly divide the Scriptures and to be strong in the Lord.
She is Associate Editor at Almost an Author, an online community for aspiring writers. She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Amramp, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a regular contributor to, The Good News Newspaper. Her first book, True Star Quality, Learn to Shine, will be out by summer.
Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military leadership award. She lives with her fourteen-year-old autistic son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 17 years, Michael, Sr.
You can connect with her on Facebook or on Twitter.
12 comments
It all comes with trusting God – at least making the choice to do so….
So true. Thank you for stopping by.
Good word and timely! I need this reminder to trust God in all areas of my life!
Me too, Clare. We are all still being molded by the Master. Thank you for visiting.
What a brave young woman! She was willing to stand for God when it must have been very difficult. Thanks for a great reminder, Cherrilynn!
Sherry Thank you for the encouragement. I admire this girl without a name. I pray I would have her strength. Have a blessed day Sherry.
So encouraging. Trusting God is a reminder we all need.
Starla, I love your name. Thank you for visiting. I am always blessed when I read Leigh’s blog. I am honored to be part of it.
always impressed by her bravery!
Kate, Thank you for visiting. I was blessed when I wrote this I overlooked her story in the past. God is good to bring us back to His word.
God can use us to help someone we might not have normally helped. It’s a good reminder to be aware of those opportunities and to look for the good in a trying situation instead of how to immediately get out of it. Thanks, Cherrilynn!
Katy, You bring up some great truths, at times I try to get out of a difficult situation instead of seeing what God wants me to do or learn through it. Thank you for sharing.
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