Imagine being eight years old, captured by an enemy army, taken away from all you know or possess, and ordered to serve as slave to the enemy!
Reactions? Crying, fighting, screaming, and sobbing! After being restrained for some time, then released to work under watch, your demeanor may appear calm and even industrious, but what else? Could you let the fear and anger and hatred go, and even be cheerful and helpful?
As a teacher, I learned that young children are very resilient and heal sooner from traumas than adults. Even so, this would be a stretch. However, in 11 Kings 5, in just 19 verses, we learn of such a child.
This captured young girl was a Jew, from a family where Jehovah was worshiped with faith strong enough to impress her. Eventually, she realized that her ministry was to let these pagan people learn about Jehovah also, about His being the only true God, and about His miraculous healing powers.
Initially, she must have had nightmares during her times of rest. Perhaps she fought off feelings of resentment and hatred toward her owners. Probably very lonely, she must have missed her family back home and had bouts of homesickness. After a time, she seems to have decided it was not the end of the world. Even though her life was not what she wanted, she could either moan and groan, or she could change her mindset and make the best of it. With God’s help, she accepted His will. This is difficult, but God’s will is always best.
When others try to hurt us, God turns it into good. Obviously, this young girl’s love for Jehovah helped her slowly learn to weep less and respect more. Eventually she cared about her mistress and admired her master, General Naaman. When she learned her master had leprosy, she could have been mean and thought, “Serves you right for capturing me! I hope you rot and die!” Instead, she had compassion, felt sorry for him, and wanted to help.
This little girl’s outlook and faith surely impressed her owners, as they reacted to her suggestion to see Elisha for healing of the leprosy. Mrs. Naaman must have seen the sincerity in the girl’s face and immediately told her husband. See what that little girl started just because she decided to share her good news!
Apparently Naaman believed her faith was genuine because he asked his king’s permission to check with Elisha. Naaman overcame his pride, eventually obeyed Elisha’s instructions, and was healed!
But that is not the end of the story. This young girl’s faith led to the conversion of the general! The healing miracle convinced him that Jehovah was the only God to worship. He became a believer! In verse 17, he felt like he was on holy ground in His presence. Naaman wanted to keep that feeling, so he asked for soil from Israel that he could take home with him. That way, he could kneel on it when he worshiped Jehovah at home in Syria!
The young girl undoubtedly felt happy at these results. It must have bolstered her loyalty to God. Her disposition toward her circumstances strengthened her faith and made her useful.
Naaman wanted to reward Elisha after his healing, so I am sure he certainly wanted to reward this little girl also when he returned home. She had been responsible and trustworthy. But to her, leading someone to God was probably the best reward.
The little girl did not own a thing, she was a slave, and yet, she was richer than General Naaman. She had good health, a good attitude, a good heart of compassion and love, and she had a heavenly Father who took care of her. What a precious little girl.
Her story helped me realize that no one is too young or too old to be useful in God’s kingdom! Years ago, I led a group of young girls from our congregation. I wanted them to be respectful and be respected. We met once a month and had a Bible lesson, followed by another lesson on manners and acting in a responsible way. Finally, we did an activity, like baking cookies, and took them to elderly members, visiting for a short time. We called our group “Little Lydias.” I wish we still had that going.
For us today, we are rich because we know Jesus, and that is all we need to have, along with hearts of compassion. Jesus invites us to His Kingdom where He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He has given us a purpose, a job to do. Some day, after the struggle with sin is over, He will come for us and be our King forever. Like the little girl who led Naaman to God for healing, we should be on a mission. We must tell the Truth, volunteer to help, and always do our best to lead as many as we can to Jesus, whose title is King Forever!
May we all be busy for Him!
Joyce Broyles is a retired High School Librarian
and resides in Jennings, LA.