“Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading.”
Oswald Chambers
Throughout my Christian walk, I have struggled with unbelief and believing the enemy’s lies. That’s why I love to surround myself with those who possess the gift of faith. Their faith is contagious and my belief increases as I draft off theirs. The Bible is full of people who exhibit great faith; those who believe without seeing. We find one such instance in John 4:43-53.
The son of a royal official was on his deathbed, and his father implored Jesus to come and heal his son. Jesus assured the official his son would live and encouraged him to return home. Verse fifty says, “The man took Jesus at His word and departed.” It was while the official was traveling home he received the great news that his son was healed, at the exact time Jesus said, “Your son will live.”
In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus instructs Simon, the fisherman, to “put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch.” Even though Simon and the rest of the fishermen had worked hard all night and didn’t catch anything, Simon responded, “But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” They ended up catching so many fish their nets began to break!
Both of these scenarios required faith, to believe what Jesus said was true. These men took Jesus at His word and put their faith into action through obedience. They believed and obeyed, and miracles happened.
A few weeks ago I had the joy of speaking at a women’s leadership retreat. When I began to prepare the three messages, the slate was blank. I had the general idea of what God wanted me to share on, but it wasn’t until after the retreat was over, I realized how each topic built on the previous one. In fact, momentum seemed to increase with each message. I started off with a general subject, where I shared more truth than personal anecdotes. In the second message, I transparently shared my struggles. By the time I got to the last topic, trust had been built and our hearts were connected.
When I prepared the messages, Jesus knew what He was doing, even though I didn’t. I took Jesus at His word and because He said so, I did it. Faith which results in obedience, produces miracles. After the third session we each spent time alone with the Lord. Convicted by my third message, I wept as I surrendered again, to His call on my life.
Do you take Jesus at His word? Jesus knows what He’s doing even when we don’t. Believe God’s promises, just do what He says, and watch the miraculous take place.
“Faith is to believe what you do not yet see: the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.”
St. Augustine of Hippo
Relevant Reflections:
1. What is Jesus asking you to believe and obey?
2. In what instance do you need to tell God, “But because You say so, I will _______.”
3. What promises do you need to take Jesus at His word?