ICS Daily Devotions
What Is Great Faith?
Have you heard about the faith of the centurion? What is the basis for Jesus to say that the centurion had great faith when Jesus spoke to him?
Matthew 8:5-8 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.
Matthew 8:13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.
The centurion told Jesus that Jesus does not need to be physical present at his house to heal his servant neither does he need to see it for himself that his servant is healed in the presence of Jesus. Not only did we see his faith in the almighty and powerful God, but he believed that Jesus’ word has the power and authority to command the sickness to depart from his servant. The centurion did not doubt or go around wanting proof or evidence that Jesus can indeed heal his servant after presenting the request to Jesus. He simply believed. Do we sometimes fall under the trap of doubt because we do not anchor our hearts on God’s word, and hence not experiencing the peace in our lives?
Faith in God’s word does not require the need to see the manifestation but believe that it is done. Jesus acknowledged that it is great faith, it shows us that this is how God views faith should operate and His expectation of us where faith is concern. When we are fully convinced that we have heard from God then God will pave the way, grant the favour with men, and give us the grace to live out the calling that He has for our lives. He is able to calm the storm in our hearts, walk with us, and guide us through every step because He cares so much for us. Faith journey or a lifestyle of faith always starts with a word from God.
May we have a great faith, even if it looks as small as a mustard seed.
Sermon Series: Anchored in His Word
