GOD SHALL ROLL AWAY YOUR BUT (S)

GOD SHALL ROLL AWAY YOUR "BUT(S)"

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 5:1-14

"Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy." (2 Kings 5:1)

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:31, John 8:36, Philippians 4:13, Luke 4:27, Matthew 17:20

INTRODUCTION
In life, many people experience situations where they are doing well in one area, yet there is something that hinders their progress—something that holds them back from fully experiencing God's blessings. This hindrance often comes in the form of a "but." The story of Naaman, a mighty man of valor, serves as a powerful illustration of this. He was a successful military commander, respected, and highly regarded, but he had leprosy. His "but" was a condition that overshadowed all his achievements. However, through God’s intervention, that "but" was rolled away, and he experienced healing and restoration. Today, God is ready to roll away your "but," removing the barriers in your life and bringing you into a new season of victory and wholeness.

1. THE MIGHTY WARRIOR WITH A FATAL "BUT"

Naaman's life was marked by success, but his condition—leprosy—was a constant reminder of his limitations. Despite all his achievements, this “but” kept him from being truly whole.

a) A Great Warrior with a Hidden Struggle
Naaman was a respected leader, but he had a condition that was unseen by many. Sometimes, we may appear successful on the outside, but we carry hidden struggles that hinder us. "But I have this secret issue..."

b) The Public and Private Disconnect
Naaman's external accomplishments did not match his internal struggle. Many people wear masks of success, but internally they battle with fear, shame, or unresolved issues. "But I am not truly at peace."

c) A Legacy of Success with a Dark Side
Despite his victories, Naaman's life was marred by leprosy, an incurable disease. This is a powerful reminder that even the most successful can face challenges that appear insurmountable.

d) The Reality of Our Weaknesses
We all have "buts" that stand in the way of our fullest potential. It is essential to acknowledge these areas and allow God to heal them.

e) Biblical Example:
In Mark 5:25-34, the woman with the issue of blood had lived for years in secret suffering. She was known for her wealth or status, but her “but” of illness made her struggle invisible. When she encountered Jesus, He removed her “but” and healed her.

2. THE HUMBLE APPROACH TO HEALING
In Naaman's case, his solution came from an unexpected place—through a young Israelite servant girl. The key to Naaman's healing was his willingness to humble himself and seek help despite his pride.

a) Naaman’s Reluctance to Accept God's Method
Initially, Naaman struggled to accept the prophet’s instructions because they seemed too simple and humiliating. The act of dipping in the Jordan River seven times seemed beneath his dignity. Similarly, many people struggle with God’s methods because they don’t align with their expectations.

b) The "But" of Pride
Naaman’s pride stood in the way of his healing. "But I am a great man; how can I humble myself?" Pride often stands in the way of the blessings that God has for us.

c) Letting Go of Personal Expectations
Often, our “buts” are tied to how we expect things to be done. We may resist God’s plan because it doesn’t meet our standards. However, God's ways are higher than our ways, and we must trust Him to lead us.

d) Obeying God’s Simple Instructions
Naaman’s healing came when he finally obeyed the simple command to dip in the Jordan. Sometimes, God's healing and restoration come in simple obedience to His Word, even when we don’t fully understand it.

e) Biblical Example:
In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter was able to walk on water when he obeyed Jesus' simple call, "Come." Despite the storm and his own fear, Peter took the step of faith, and Jesus removed his "but" of doubt.

3. THE ROLLING AWAY OF THE "BUT" THROUGH OBEDIENCE
When Naaman followed Elisha's instructions and dipped in the Jordan River seven times, his leprosy was healed, and his “but” was rolled away. His obedience led to his breakthrough.

a) The Power of Obedience
Naaman's healing wasn't just about dipping in the river—it was about obedience to God's command. Obedience activates God's power in our lives and removes every “but” standing in the way of our victory.

b) The Role of Faith in Obedience
Faith is the key to unlocking the promises of God. Naaman’s faith in God’s word, though initially reluctant, led to his healing. God rewards those who obey His commands in faith.

c) Breaking the Chains of "But" Through Action
The “but” of Naaman’s leprosy was removed through his action. In the same way, we must act on God’s Word to see transformation in our lives.

d) Overcoming Disbelief
Just as Naaman’s disbelief initially hindered his healing, our doubt can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. When we choose to believe, every “but” is rolled away.

e) Biblical Example:
In John 9:1-7, Jesus healed a blind man by telling him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man’s obedience resulted in his sight being restored, proving that obedience removes every barrier.

4. GOD'S GRACE REMOVES THE "BUT" OF OUR LIMITATIONS
Naaman’s healing was a demonstration of God’s grace. He did not deserve to be healed, but God’s grace was sufficient to remove his "but" of leprosy and restore him to wholeness.

a) God's Grace Is Sufficient
Naaman's healing was a gift of grace. Similarly, no matter how unworthy we feel, God's grace is sufficient to overcome our limitations.

b) The Ultimate Healing Comes from God
Naaman’s healing was not from the Jordan River itself but from God, who chose to use that simple action as a means of restoration. In the same way, our healing and breakthroughs come from God, who uses various means to roll away our “buts.”

c) God Does Not Look at Our Qualifications
Naaman was a leper and an outsider to the covenant of Israel, but God chose to heal him anyway. Similarly, God's grace is available to all, regardless of our past or present circumstances.

d) Experiencing Full Restoration
Naaman’s life was restored when he obeyed God’s instructions. God desires to restore every area of your life that has been impacted by the “but” of limitation.

e) Biblical Example:
In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus forgave the sinful woman who anointed His feet with her tears. Her “but” of sin and shame was rolled away by Jesus’ grace, and she was restored to wholeness.

5. WALKING IN FREEDOM AFTER THE "BUT" IS ROLLED AWAY
After his healing, Naaman was no longer known as the mighty warrior with leprosy but as a man healed by God’s grace. He walked in freedom, no longer hindered by his “but.”

a) New Identity in Christ
After his healing, Naaman’s identity was transformed. In the same way, God wants to transform your identity—no longer defined by your past failures, weaknesses, or limitations.

b) Walking in Wholeness
Once Naaman’s “but” was removed, he walked in wholeness and health. Similarly, God desires for you to walk in complete restoration and healing.

c) A Testimony of God’s Power
Naaman’s healing was a testimony of God's power. When God removes your “but,” you become a living testimony of His grace and ability to transform lives.

d) Boldness to Step into God’s Promises
With his “but” removed, Naaman stepped boldly into the fullness of God’s promises for his life. Similarly, when we allow God to remove our “buts,” we step confidently into the future He has prepared for us.

e) Biblical Example:
In John 4:28-30, the Samaritan woman left her water jar after encountering Jesus, realizing that her “but” of shame and rejection had been removed. She went to testify to others about Jesus, and many believed in Him.

CONCLUSION:
God is ready to roll away every "but" in your life, just as He did for Naaman. No matter the struggles, limitations, or barriers you may be facing, His grace and power are greater. Just like Naaman, you can experience the transformation that comes when you humble yourself, obey His Word, and trust in His ability to bring healing, restoration, and freedom. Every "but" that has held you back from walking in your full potential can be removed today. As you step into obedience and faith, you will walk in the victory God has already prepared for you.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, roll away every “but” in my life that hinders my progress.

2. Father, I receive the grace to obey Your instructions, no matter how simple or challenging they seem.

3. I break every barrier of pride and self-sufficiency that prevents me from experiencing Your healing power.

4. Father, help me to surrender every hidden struggle to You so that You can heal me completely.

5. Lord, grant me the faith to believe that You can remove every obstacle in my life.

6. I declare that every “but” of illness, shame, and limitation in my life is rolled away in Jesus' name.

7. Lord, let Your grace make a way for me where there seems to be no way.

8. I pray for the strength to act on Your Word in obedience and receive my breakthrough.

9. Lord, let Your power be made perfect in my weaknesses, and roll away every limitation.

10. Father, I receive full restoration and wholeness in every area of my life—spirit, soul, and body.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I prophesy that every "but" of limitation in your life shall be rolled away by the hand of God.

2. I declare that your healing, restoration, and breakthrough are manifesting right now in the name of Jesus.

3. I decree that the grace to obey God's instructions, no matter how simple, is being released to you today.

4. I speak to every mountain in your life and declare it is being moved as you walk in obedience and faith.

5. The Lord is removing every hindrance to your breakthrough, and you will walk in total freedom.

6. Every struggle that has held you back will no longer define you, for the Lord has rolled it away.

7. I declare that your new season of wholeness, peace, and victory has begun.

8. Every hidden struggle will be exposed, healed, and completely removed by God's power.

9. Your identity is being transformed, and you will no longer be known by your past limitations.

10. I declare that God’s power to restore and heal is at work in your life, and you are stepping into the fullness of His promises.

In Jesus' name, Amen.