Believe It or Not
Today’s scripture selection: Matthew 8-9
Key verse: Matthew 9:35-38
The stories roll on, one after another, building in intensity. A leper is healed; a tormented servant finds relief; a family member of one of the inner circle is restored to health; fierce storm waves are stilled; sins are forgiven; devils are cast out; and even the dead live again. Jesus is on the move, comforting some and frightening others. They have not seen such things before – such authority; such power; such compassion. So many don’t know whether to follow Him or flee from Him. And already, there are those who would rather be rid of him – because it is their power and authority He is threatening.
In the midst of all these dramatic events one word keeps surfacing: faith. Moving along toward His destiny, Jesus encounters some people who show an amazing amount of it. Others can’t seem to muster faith as big as the tiny mustard seed. And many others fall somewhere in between – simply not sure what to make of this one who is so powerful “even the winds and the sea obey him!” Believe it or not.
Two thousand years later, we are in the same boat, no pun intended. We are out there on the waves; or at the bedside of a loved one; or cowering in the face of evil – and we are like those whom Jesus first encountered. So often we are “like sheep without a shepherd.”
The good news is – He already understands that about us. He isn’t quick to dismiss our needs, condemning us for our lack of faith. He is as He has always been – patient – waiting – willing to act on even the tiniest sign that we believe in Him.
Sometimes the results are dramatic, and we rush to bear testimony to the miraculous. Sometimes the results are much more subtle, and we are tempted to think maybe God hasn’t been at work at all – that it’s just lucky coincidence – not answered prayer.
But either way, the challenge remains has it has always been. To move through our lives, one tentative step at a time, willing to believe He walks with us. Believe it or not – the choice – is always ours to make.
It takes faith. It takes courage. It takes eyes to see and ears to hear. But it’s the way to life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as an honest man once cried, “I believe, help my unbelief!” Help me to follow in faith, every day. AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 