In 2 Kings 5 we read about Naaman the Syrian. He was a valiant warrior, mighty leader and there was great favor on his life. But he had a hidden issue - he had leprosy. He kept it covered under his armor so that only those closest to him knew. His condition seemed to contradict his calling; he was using his public victories to hide his private pain. It was only a matter of time before his leadership would be compromised by his leprosy.

However, when he was willing to expose his brokenness, humble himself and act in obedience, he was able to be healed.

God can’t heal who we pretend to be. He can’t restore what we refuse to acknowledge. Some of us have become experts at using armor to cover our condition. We are using public victories to hide private dysfunction. We show the world our gifts, talents, abilities and charisma when deep down we are carrying deep wounds, unresolved issues, pain from our past. God wants to heal us if we would only humble ourselves and admit we need help.

Take off your armor today, be vulnerable, open yourself to receive God’s complete healing, wholeness and freedom.

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2 Kings 5:1-6; 17

“Now 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. a 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.” …

... So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”