“But Naaman became angry and stalked away. ‘I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!’ he said. ‘I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me! Aren’t the rivers of Damascus…better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?’ So Naaman turned away in a rage.”
2 Kings 5:11-12 NLT
As rookie missionaries in Africa, I thought we would be preaching to hundreds of people. Instead, God put us in language school where we became little children learning to talk. When we finally moved to Uganda, I expected to raise up a big church in Kampala, but instead God chose another couple to do that. However, God brought young men into our home to mentor. I served so many guests that I complained, “God, I didn’t come here to cook meals and wash bedding—I thought I came here to preach!” My Father’s gentle rebuke was clear, “I thought you came here to serve Me.”
Yes, I expected a river of miracles in Uganda, but I thought the river would sparkle. However, I finally wrote in my journal, “I don’t think God will do miracles here in Uganda until WE get out of the way—we must not care about being seen—or about numbers—or about glowing reports for our supporters.”
I had tried to force God into my expectation box long enough. But like Naaman, when I gave up my pride and anger over the dirty river, I climbed into the box of humility where HIS miracles flow. Since that time, we have watched GOD birth countless churches through those young men who stayed in our home.
So God, no more, “But I thought…” I want YOUR thought!
