In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
  • Home
  • Media
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog- Gratitude
Connect, Tweet, Link!

A Common Curse

9/19/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

"But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought; but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat 
of him."  
2 Kings 5:20

 
There are times when, through the urging of God, you will be a blessing to someone else, taking nothing in return for bestowing your talent or gift.
—With the understanding that, in the act of giving your gift, you have already received a greater gift.   

When the Prophet Elisha healed Naaman, Naaman wanted to repay him for using his prophetic gift of healing.  Elisha refused his gifts; but, his servant, Gehazi, coveted the gifts for himself, and devised a lie to deceive Naaman into giving him the gifts intended for Elisha.  When he received the gifts through deception, he had no choice but to hide them from the prophet, not understanding that God had already revealed to Elisha his act of deceit and betrayal.
​By the time Gehazi returned to the compound, Elisha knew in spirit about the deception. And so, the gift of healing that was given to Naaman, removing his leprosy, was transferred by God, giving leprosy to Gehazi.  

We can imagine that Gehazi witnessed Elisha healing the poor on many occasions. Yet, Elisha refused to accept their meager gifts, understanding that the poor could barely afford to offer the gifts that they brought to him. And yet, this time, noticing the opulent gifts of Naaman, he was certain Elisha would accept at least some of the gifts. When Elisha did not accept any of the gifts, Gehazi seized the opportunity to sow what was really in his heart. —Coveting!
​
Many people covet the blessings of others, not taking into consideration the trials and tribulations those blessed by God have actually endured. They simply do not understand that the blessings received by others is a direct result of their endurance; and, by coveting their blessing, you just may receive their curse to test your endurance —an endurance test not originally meant for you.  

Today, we are bombarded by the lifestyles of the rich and famous.  We follow celebrities and covet their lifestyles and life choices, not realizing that they have their own life burdens to deal with; such as, the lack of privacy, the pretentious love of others, a constant bombardment of deception and betrayal by those closest to them, and a slew of other woes.  Of course, not all celebrities are laden with these issues, but many are.

Set a course to endure those burdens set before you.  Do not covet those things that are for others.  Should you dream of a better life? —Of course! Those dreams were placed there by God for you to pursue.  Your blessings are for you and those whom you share them with.  However, do not try to take what does not belong to you; it will not bless your life.  —And unfortunately, like Gehazi, you just may find yourself with the curse, long before you ever receive the blessing.  L. 

Study Reference: 2 Kings 5:20
From: "A Common Curse." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Momtastic

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living

    -Daily Posts

    Welcome to the ITMH blog. Here you can interact with me each day regarding  the devotionals found in the book if you are not on Facebook.  Write something about yourself in relation to the daily. No need to be fancy, just be honest. I'll do the same.  It will be interesting to see how different people, with varying experiences react to the same daily. 

    And, in the way of The Master, please remember to be congenial.

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.