“I thought he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.” — 2 Kings 5:11

Young believers are telling me they’re having a hard time keeping the faith. When I press them as to why, there is usually something they are asking God for, and they feel like God isn’t responding. Most of the time, their requests are very reasonable and made with a sincere heart, yet doubt begins to creep in when things don’t follow their timeline.

Only looking back, can I see myself as a young, immature believer. I liken it to being an oak tree that has only been growing for a few years, as opposed to having grown for decades. The latter is so much more likely to stand when the storms come. The former is tossed around fiercely and is in danger of being uprooted. The enemy very much wants young believers to think God is too slow, doesn’t answer at all, and is completely uncaring and unavailable.

Naaman honestly thought that the God of Elisha was useless simply because He didn’t perform like he thought He would or should. He didn’t like being told what to do, especially in a way that made him humble himself and expose his skin condition. He didn’t want to be vulnerable in front of his men. I probably wouldn’t have either.

When you and I limit God to only being able to work or move like we want Him to, it is easy for us to walk away discouraged, angry, or in disbelief. More than likely, God is going to change your heart and mind before He changes anyone else, and He is going to work in a way that does leave you in disbelief . . . but the kind of disbelief that blows you away when you come up out of that water the seventh time and your skin is brand spanking new.

Lord, help these young believers, and the older ones (including me) to allow You to work in Your way and in Your time. All things are working for the good if we simply believe, love You, and are called according to Your purpose. Of course that will entail some moments, or even seasons of wondering what You are doing and how You are doing it. I imagine the sixth dip in the water felt pointless to Naaman . . . but then he took the seventh! Thank You, Lord, for your word.