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Control is something that we think we have. We can make decisions that effect ourselves and others, that make sense and that do not, but they are decisions we in fact make. Make it happen, take control, these are the mantras for society today.

Hear the Good News, the only on that really has power and control is God. Tough though? There is a fine line between power and control and being powerful and controlling. Naaman, THE commander of the Army of the king of Aram, was able to make decisions that effected others, that either won wars or lost them. He was a commander, one who made things happen. But like a constant reminder of the power he really had, he was afflicted with leprosy. All the power and control he had could not dismiss this affliction. Then he meets a man of God, a prophet, Elisha. Expecting Elisha to demonstrate his "power" he visits with Elisha, finds himself dismissed with merely a task to perform to cure his aliment. Pridefully agitated he begins to leave, thinking he had been treated with the utmost disrespect, he turns to leave, only to decide to follow through with the task at hand. Upon completion of the task, and returning to Elisha, it seems that Naaman gets the picture, he understands.

Elisha did not do the healing, Elisha was not the one in "control". Control, what a relative thing. Maybe what we have is mere manipulation abilities. Hum. Makes me wonder.

Gracious Father, I struggle, trying to not only make decisions, but to take control of my life. It seems when I am making those decisions for me, without You, I falter, let my focus always be on you and Your will. Let my control be to follow You and to be faithful to You. Naaman learned a valuable lesson, let me understand without an affliction like that attached to Naaman. Thank you Father, for all You have done and all You will continue to do in my life. Amen.