The God Who Heals In Unexpected Ways Series

THE GOD WHO HEALS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Supporting Texts: Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; Matthew 8:1-3; Isaiah 55:8-9; James 5:14-16

INTRODUCTION:

Naaman was a highly decorated military general—valiant, respected, and a man of influence. Yet, behind the armour of honour, he carried a silent shame: he was a leper. His physical affliction was a contradiction to his public image. Despite his fame and victories, Naaman had a problem that no position, power, or prestige could fix.

His journey to healing began through the simple faith of a slave girl from Israel. Her bold declaration led Naaman to the prophet Elisha. But his expectations were challenged when he was told to wash seven times in the Jordan River—a method that seemed beneath him. Eventually, Naaman laid down his pride, obeyed the instruction, and experienced divine healing.

This story is a powerful reminder that God heals on His own terms, not ours. His ways often challenge our expectations, but obedience brings miracles.

1. YOUR STATUS IN LIFE DOES NOT EXEMPT YOU FROM PERSONAL STRUGGLES

Naaman was great in the eyes of men but broken in the eyes of God.

a) Leprosy represented shame, separation, and defilement

Despite his greatness, Naaman was dying inwardly (2 Kings 5:1).

b) Public honour does not erase private pain

No one is immune to affliction—titles don’t replace divine help.

c) Everyone needs healing in one form or another

Physical, emotional, and spiritual leprosy still exist today.

d) Human achievements can never replace the need for divine intervention

Naaman had victories in battle, but none in his body.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah became a leper despite his reign and strength (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

2. GOD OFTEN USES HUMBLE VESSELS TO INITIATE MIRACLES

A nameless slave girl changed the course of Naaman’s life.

a) She spoke with faith, not fear

She said, “Would God my lord were with the prophet…” (2 Kings 5:3)

b) No one is too small to be used by God

God uses the weak to confound the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).

c) The power of a confident witness can redirect destiny

Her words turned Naaman toward God.

d) Miracles often begin with people we least expect

Never despise small voices—they may carry divine keys.

Biblical Example: The servant of Saul directed him to Samuel and his journey to kingship began (1 Samuel 9:6-8).

3. DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS MAY OFFEND HUMAN PRIDE

Naaman became angry when told to dip in the Jordan River.

a) God’s ways are higher than our ways

He expected drama and spectacle, but God chose simplicity (2 Kings 5:10-11).

b) Pride often blocks the path to healing

Naaman asked, “Are not Abana and Pharpar better than all the waters of Israel?” (v.12)

c) Miracles are not tailored to human preferences

Obedience must override feelings of superiority.

d) We must let go of how we think God should move

Only yielded hearts receive the flow of divine power.

Biblical Example: The Israelites despised manna because it wasn’t what they expected (Numbers 11:6).

4. OBEDIENCE, EVEN WHEN RELUCTANT, RELEASES GOD’S POWER

Naaman eventually humbled himself and obeyed.

a) Complete obedience produces complete restoration

He dipped seven times—no shortcuts (2 Kings 5:14).

b) God honours those who humble themselves before Him

The proud general became a submissive seeker.

c) Simple obedience is more powerful than grand ceremonies

There was no thunder—just water and obedience.

d) Obeying divine instruction is the gateway to transformation

The dirty Jordan became the river of his healing.

Biblical Example: The wedding at Cana was transformed by simple obedience to Jesus’ command (John 2:5-10).

5. GOD'S HEALING BRINGS TOTAL TRANSFORMATION—INSIDE AND OUT

Naaman’s flesh was restored and his heart was changed.

a) He came as a leper and left as a worshipper

He declared, “Now I know there is no God in all the earth but in Israel” (v.15).

b) Divine healing leads to divine recognition

Naaman wanted to offer gifts—but Elisha refused, pointing him to God’s grace.

c) True encounters with God transform more than the body

Naaman sought to change his worship and loyalty.

d) God heals to bring glory to Himself, not to enrich His servants

Elisha’s refusal to profit reminded us that grace is never for sale.

Biblical Example: The ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to give glory to God—and he was made whole (Luke 17:12-19).

CONCLUSION:

Naaman’s story teaches that healing is not about status, expectations, or emotions. It is about humility, obedience, and faith. God chose to use a slave girl, a reluctant prophet, and a muddy river to perform a miracle that turned a foreign general into a believer. The same God is still healing today, often in ways that challenge human logic.

May we never let pride, position, or preconceived ideas keep us from obeying God’s instructions. The breakthrough we seek often lies beyond our comfort zone and beneath our ego. True healing comes when we submit to the God who heals in unexpected ways.