January 22, 2010

BIG FAITH

Key Verse

Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel." (Matthew 8:10)

Read More READ TODAY'S PASSAGE
Read More READ THE CHAPTER

Central Truth

Faith isn't about theological knowledge or time spent inside a church building. It's much more about trust in a loving, living God and building a relationship with Him.

Reflections

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This Matthew passage covers four interactions with Jesus. They all share something in common: faith.

I'd like to focus on the centurion. This guy was a Roman. Most likely from a pagan background. We don't know if he had sat and listened to Jesus teach. We don't know if he'd even heard Jesus teach at all. Yet, he had faith. He recognized Jesus as an authority figure (8:9). Maybe that's the key. The centurion understood that even with all his military power, he could not heal his servant. He was not in control of the situation. And Jesus recognized this Roman's faith (8:10). A Gentile pleading for another Gentile and realizing the position of Jesus. Stunning! "Religion" was actually reaching beyond the confines of the "chosen." Glorious!

My husband and I experienced a similar situation to that of the centurion. We realized that modern medical technology and a team of medical personnel couldn't save us from extreme heartache. It doesn't matter what the situation was, only that we were helpless. But not hopeless. God revealed Himself as the One in control. It didn't seem so at the time, but slowly we saw His hand in many things. As a result of this painful experience, my faith grew in ways I would never have expected. I'm not "Super Christian" by any means, but I understand what faith means when very little else makes sense. And much like the centurion, I had to come to the end of myself before I realized that truth.

The centurion shows us that great faith doesn't necessarily take great knowledge, just faith.

Discussion Questions

1. What does faith look like to you?

2. How has God grown you in the area of faith?

3. Can you describe a time when a situation looked hopeless, but ended up producing faith?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What is a miracle? (A miracle is something wonderful only God can do.)

2. What does it mean that the Roman soldier had faith (verse 10)?

3. Do you believe that God can do miracles in your life?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.

  1. Tim Slaughter

    January 22, 2010 07:02 AM

    Julie - thanks for your reflections. That soldier had such a right understanding of his situation. Instead of turning to Jesus in faith, how many times do I apply my human problem solving skills only to be frustrated and angry. As my wife recently reminded me, the list of things out of my control is much longer than the list of things in my control. I am not sure what that lesson never fully sinks in! Thanks again.

  2. Lucina

    January 22, 2010 08:45 AM

    What joy for me to have witnessed your journey--to see you put one foot in front of the other when you didn't feel like it...to see Him make beauty from ashes and strength from fear. I love that you were helpless but not hopeless. The same is true in my own story of marriage and while the details differ, the result is the same. Great faith grown out of the most desperate situation. Thanks Julie--I LOVE you!

  3. Sheri johnston

    January 22, 2010 09:17 AM

    Julie- love your devo- you are a great example to me of great faith! Didn't know about tractors...hum.. You know how to get to Kaufman? :) sheri

  4. Judy Collins

    January 22, 2010 09:44 AM

    Hi Juju! Great devo this morning. Your journey has inspired me and many others. I thqnk God for you and Mark and I thank you for giving Him the glory. Love, Judy

  5. January 22, 2010 02:07 PM

    Julie, I agree wholeheartedly!! Faith is a gift from God and sometimes it takes coming up against gut wrenching pain and being painfully aware at the same time that we are not in control. I know God will use this devotion and your testimony to help others dig deep to stand on the rock- their faith is all that matters! Nan Kirchhofer

  6. Mark

    January 22, 2010 02:42 PM

    Sweetheart, what a blessing to ready your devotional today. You have modeled faith for me on a daily basis: trusting God as He sanctifies your stubborn husband, and believing the best in him always. I love you.

  7. Jen Farrell

    January 22, 2010 04:29 PM

    Julie, You crack me up (your bio). I miss working with you! Glad I get to see you still. :) Thanks for your vulnerability and thoughtful reflections.

  8. Don Dinnerville

    January 22, 2010 08:31 PM

    Thanks for being vulnerable Julie. I really appreciate your Central Truth and the devotional itself. I'm so thankful to know you and Mark, and I pray that God continues to use your deepest hurts for His greatest glory. Thanks for blessing others so much.

  9. jay Burns

    January 29, 2010 10:20 AM

    Julie..little late on reading your journey but already sent it to one of our prodigal families who has to lay their Isaac on the alter...I loved the centurion had all the power in a worldly way but it was not enough to heal the servant...just as it is not enough to save and help our prodigal children...we can teach from this parable now...I loved your terminology of "helpless,but not hopeless!" great job

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Julie Nicholson

Julie Nicholson

I'm Julie. Married to Mark, the one who makes me laugh until I hurt and loves me in spite of me (and you thought I was going to say, "My best friend", didn't you? That's true, too). Mother of two sweet boys, fifty weeks apart (no, that wasn't a typo). Mark and I work together in the GriefShare ministry.

Things I need merit badges for: Speed diapering; picking the nose of a little boy; administering medicine to a little boy; successfully getting two boys and myself in the car without incident; full working knowledge of tractors.