When Obedience Feels Gross

I haven’t been writing about my runs lately because I haven’t been running. My foot decided it no longer wanted to cooperate. After repeat visits to the podiatrist, the recommendation was made—again—to wear the boot.

That dreaded boot that scarred me for life last time. Five long weeks of clunking around in it, only to feel no relief in the end. So when the boot was brought up this time... I didn’t want to do it. I resisted. I thought, There has to be another option. Something easier. Something less… humiliating.

Naaman, a commander in the Bible, had a similar reaction when the prophet Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed of leprosy. The Jordan? That muddy, unimpressive river? Gross. He expected God to heal him in a dramatic way. But instead, the healing was tied to an act of humble obedience.

It wasn’t until Naaman laid down his pride and followed God’s strange, uncomfortable instructions that he was healed. You can read the full story in 2 Kings 5:1-14.

And here I am, faced with my own “Jordan River” moment: the boot. I don’t want it. I don’t like it. But maybe my healing—physical and spiritual—requires a season of obedience that doesn’t feel flashy or pleasant.

Sometimes God’s path to healing doesn’t look the way we imagine. Sometimes it looks like slowing down, strapping on a boot, and trusting that He knows what He’s doing.

Because on the other side of obedience is God’s plan, and I hope healing is included.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31