Four Lepers

<p>The Aramean army surrounded Samaria. No one could get out or go in. People were starving since no one could get past the Aramean army. Those outside the gates—lepers who were unclean since leprosy was a fatal skin disease—were also starving.</p><p>.</p><p>Four lepers sat outside the gate. Trying to figure out a way to survive, they weighed their options. No reason to go back inside. No food in there. But if they sat where they were, they would die. No food outside the gates either. So, they considered going to the Aramean army to surrender. The army had food, but they might kill them. No good choices, but if the army accepted their surrender, they might live.</p><p>.</p><p>When the four lepers entered the Aramean camp, no one was there. God had sent noises of chariots and horses to terrify the Aramean soldiers. When the soldiers heard what sounded like a great army, they had swiftly run away.</p><p>.</p><p>The lepers discovered food, tents, horses, donkeys, and great amounts of gold coins. After eating, they gathered gold in their hands. But then they felt guilty. They had found great treasure from the enemy, yet they hadn’t gone back and shared their discovery with the others. Quickly, they made their way back to the city to tell of the great provision.</p><p>.</p><p>Upon hearing the lepers’ news, the king believed it was a trap, so he sent some of his soldiers to investigate. They found the Aramean soldiers had gone, so they joyfully came down and raided the camp.</p><p>In our hardest times, God is there, just like He was there for the people of Samaria in today’s reading. He knows firsthand what we are suffering (Hebrews 4:14-16). And He made a plan to rescue us: Jesus died and rose again so that death and suffering would one day be no more (Revelation 21:1-5). Like the lepers who were rescued, let us share the good news of what Jesus has done for us! • Anna Gregory</p><p>.</p><p>• Can you think of a time God showed His love for you in the midst of difficult circumstances? Consider taking a moment to thank