GREAT, YET NOT SO GREAT

•    ostracized by leprosy despite accomplishments

THE POWER OF GOD’S TRUTH, FROM A SLAVE GIRL

•    loved her ‘enemy’, repaid with blessing not evil
•    great resources allocated on basis of girl’s trust in God’s power
•    God’s Kingdom belongs to those like little children: believe, don’t doubt

FAITH SEES POTENTIAL WHERE FEAR SEES PROBLEMS

•    Israelite king sees only his own limitations, not divine potential
•    Peter walked on water until saw wind, sank in fear

GOD PERFORMS WONDERS FOR HIS GREATNESS NOT OUR GRATIFICATION

•    miracles worked for purpose of helping us know God
•    majority of 10 lepers healed by Jesus did not return to give Him thanks
•    Lazarus’ resurrection explicitly for sake of God being glorified

MISSING OUT ON GOD ON OUR OWN TERMS

•    commander takes offence at prophet’s sending messenger
•    deeper problems than just leprosy: pride, arrogance
•    repents makes possible dramatic renewal
•    check attitude gauges when praying: forgive; proper motives