The word of God is not more or less powerful than the presence of God. The Lesson shows that like Naaman wanted Elisha to come out and wave his hands and do something physical in order for him to be healed. That's not necessary if you only can obey and believe. God is showing us that He can just speak the word like He spoke the world into existence and it will have the same effect as His physical presence being there and Him speaking the word. Location, time, distance does not hinder the power or work of God's word only our lack of faith.