Jenn Isaac / "His Ways are Perfect"

Jenn Isaac

Kindergarten Teacher

Trinity Christian Academy

Trinity Baptist Church

Jacksonville, FL

“His Ways are Perfect” 

Having the privilege of growing up in church, I have heard the story of Naaman from II Kings 5 many times. Naaman was the captain of the king’s army in Syria. The Syrian army went into battle against the Israelites and took a little girl captive which became the servant to Naaman’s wife. However, Naaman had a problem - leprosy. The little servant girl suggested to Naaman’s wife that Naaman go to see the prophet Elisha in Samaria. So Naaman went to the King of Syria and the King decided to send a letter to the King of Israel with Naaman asking for help. When Naaman reached the King of Israel and gave him the letter, the King’s reaction was outstanding, in my opinion, considering Naaman had just led a battle against the Israelites and taken at least one captive. The King of Israel responds in II Kings 5:7 by tearing his clothes and saying, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy?” To make a long story short, the King of Israel agrees to help Naaman and sends him to Elisha’s house.  

Upon arriving at Elisha’s house, Elisha sends his messenger out to greet Naaman and give instructions to cure his leprosy. Naaman is instructed to go down and wash in the Jordan River seven times in order to be healed. In II Kings 5:11, we see Naaman’s response. He was ANGRY!!! He said, “Behold, I thought…” Naaman had an idea of what he thought was supposed to happen; however, what he thought was very different than the reality he was facing. I have found myself in Naaman’s shoes. I have been there questioning things that didn’t happen as I thought they should.  

We certainly have our own thoughts, ideas, plans, etc., but they aren’t always what God wants or have planned for us. Many of us, me included, seem to question God when the “bad stuff”- the problems, the difficulties, the challenges come our way, but we never question all the wonderful things He does for us - blessings of children, family, church, jobs, etc. God makes this very clear in Isaiah 55:8-9, that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. He goes on to say that “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are “His” ways higher than your ways, and “His” thoughts higher than your thoughts.”  

Even when things happen that we don’t understand or don’t turn out the way we think they should, we need to remember II Samuel 22:31, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.” A buckler is a shield. God promises that He will be a shield to all those that trust in Him. So many times, we are quick to tell others to trust the Lord when they are facing a challenge, but it’s a totally different story when we have to live it. 

Last February, I found a lump in one of my breasts. Spring break was filled with appointments, tests, and finally a breast biopsy on Friday. On Tuesday, March 29th, I received the dreaded news that afternoon, that indeed, the tumor was malignant…I had breast cancer. However, 2 minutes before the dreaded phone call came, my best friend walked into my classroom. This is unusual because I NEVER saw her at school until this particular day. God showed me right then and there that although this next part of my journey was going to be difficult, He was there and I could trust Him through it. He sent a wonderful nurse called a breast care coordinator that was extremely helpful and informative in the first few days as I was adjusting to having cancer.  

A few days later I had an MRI to determine the size of the tumor, if there were any other tumors, and if it had spread to my lymph nodes. During the MRI, the nurse asked me if I would like to listen to music. I immediately responded yes. She then proceeded to tell me it was already on the Christian radio station which is what I was going to request. The first song that came on was a version of Blessed Be Your Name which really uplifted my spirits at this scary time. Throughout the course of the MRI, the songs that came on felt like they were specifically picked for me. Then the last song that was played was the well-known hymn, “It is Well with my Soul.” The Lord helped me to realize at that very moment no matter what happened throughout this journey,  IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL. I would say that was truly my turning point when I truly gave this whole situation over to Him and fully trusted Him. 

 I elected to have a double mastectomy on April 20th. I remember feeling the prayers of so many uplifting me during this extremely difficult time. Surprisingly, operation day came and I was very calm and collected which was completely opposite from my previous reactions any time a nurse or doctor came near me.  I have no doubt it was God and the prayers of so many. Thankfully, everything turned out with the best case scenario. The cancer was contained and didn’t spread to my lymph nodes. All of it was removed during the surgery, and recovery went very well. At the time I am writing this, I am sitting in the chemotherapy chair getting my last round of chemo to prevent any future recurrence. I can say with confidence that God is good and He has blessed me in so many ways throughout this journey.  

Just like Naaman, God brought something totally unexpected and life-altering into my path. As I learned in the days following, there wasn’t a thing I could do to change this situation. I knew God was in control and I wasn’t. Day after day, He showed me He was there.  

No matter what He has brought into your life or will bring in the future, you can rest assured that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). He is always there and has a purpose and a plan. Whatever you are facing may have been a surprise to you, but it wasn’t to Him. Rest in His promises, trust in His ways, and allow Him to be your buckler. As for God… His way is perfect!