Scripture: 2 Kings 5:9–14 & John 14:16–26
A few weeks ago at church, our women’s ministry was preparing to dive into a teaching on the Holy Spirit. Before we began, we felt led to ready ourselves with prayer and fasting. Whenever we teach this topic, we close our time by praying over every woman—asking that she would get out of her own way and make room for the Holy Spirit to move. We pray that hearts would truly understand that the Holy Spirit is not a force or a feeling, but a person—real, alive, and ready to dwell within us.
In John 14:16–18, Jesus says:
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”
As I reflected on this passage, I sensed the Lord emphasizing one thing: get out of His way and let Him move. There’s an urgency for us, especially now, to understand that we cannot navigate this world in our own strength.
The Scripture reminds us that the world cannot receive Him because it isn’t looking for Him. If you don’t seek, you won’t recognize—and if you don’t recognize, you’ll miss Him. That’s why it’s so important that we don’t leave this season without understanding that God is inviting His daughters to experience something new and fresh. Not just to encounter the Holy Spirit, but to represent Him—to show the world what happens when we recognize His presence and refuse to miss Him.
But in order to do that, we have to look inward, cast out pride, and move out of His way.
A Lesson from 2 Kings 5: Don’t Miss What He’s Doing
During that women’s service, as we prayed and worshiped before the night began, I felt a nudge from the Lord: “Open your Bible.”
So I did—and it opened to 2 Kings 5:10–14.
It made me laugh because, at that exact moment, a song I love came on—the one that says, “Lace up your boots, put on your backpack, it’s time to ride.” I was so caught up in how much I liked the song that I almost missed what God was trying to say. He had to bring me back. Even in that small moment, He was showing me: “Move out of your own way so you can receive what I’m giving you.”
As I read, I realized this wasn’t just a word for that night—it was a word for now.
If you look around, we’re living in a culture obsessed with self. “My wants. My desires. My expectations. My version of what a move of God should look like.” But when we box God into our preferences, we risk missing what He’s doing—right now, in this very moment—with you, with me, for His glory.
I’ll be honest: when I first started attending my church, I once said, “The Holy Spirit just isn’t moving here.”
It wasn’t that He wasn’t moving—it was that I didn’t recognize Him because it didn’t look like what I was used to. One of the leaders lovingly challenged me:
“Who are you to say He’s not moving? How’s your heart posture?”
That question changed everything.
Scripture says in Matthew 7 that we recognize people by their fruit, and Galatians 5 reminds us that we can’t produce that fruit on our own—it’s only by the Holy Spirit’s power. So this journey of not missing Him begins with humility and surrender.
Lesson 1: Don’t Miss Who God Has Set Before You
In 2 Kings 5, Naaman was a mighty warrior—honored, successful, powerful. But he had leprosy, a disease that no amount of status could cure. And yet, it was a servant girl who planted the seed that led to his healing.
She was the one who brought up the prophet Elisha, and that small act of faith opened the door for Naaman’s miracle.
So let me ask you:
How many times have you overlooked who God has placed before you?
Have you stopped to ask why they’re in your life, what you can learn from them, or how God might use them to grow humility in you?
And if you’re a leader, have you consulted the Holy Spirit on how to disciple those He’s placed before you?
When we’re truly connected to the Holy Spirit, we recognize that the body is made up of many parts, and none of them are wasted. God uses all things for His glory.
Lesson 2: Get Out of the Way
Naaman wanted healing—but he wanted it his way. He expected the prophet to come out, wave his hand, and perform a miracle that fit his picture of what God should do. Instead, Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times.
Naaman was angry. He stomped away, and Scripture says his officers had to reason with him to obey.
That’s a word for us. Late obedience is still disobedience.
He didn’t care that others were watching—he just wanted it his way.
So, what about you?
Is there something God’s calling you to, but because it doesn’t look the way you envisioned, you’re resisting it?
Is there healing you’re delaying because you’d rather hold onto anger or disappointment?
This isn’t to dismiss your pain—it’s to challenge you to move out of the way. If God tells you to dip in the Jordan seven times, do it. Because your healing is waiting on the other side of obedience.
Lesson 3: He Will Move When You Do
Naaman’s obedience led to his healing. It’s a picture of grace and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:4–7 (NLT) says:
“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”
Naaman’s story reminds us that God moves when we do—when we surrender, obey, and step aside for Him to take control.
Reflection
So today, take a moment to reflect:
Where do you need to move out of the way so God can move?
What area of your life is He asking you to release control and trust Him fully?
Are you seeking Him—or are you at risk of missing Him because it doesn’t look how you expected?
The Holy Spirit is here. He’s real. He’s ready. Don’t miss Him.
