January 12

Matthew 9:18-30

 

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don't see -- what we see is not made out of what is visible." (Heb. 11:1, 3)

 

It is hard for us to grasp and believe that which is not tangible. As I was reading the account of the woman who was bleeding for 12 years, and the blind men, I found myself envious of their bold faith.  I know this is very similar to yesterday's blog, but perhaps this is just confirmation of an important message that God wants us to embrace.  Jesus changed and restored this woman because she was sure of what she hoped for.  Even though Jesus didn't heal the blind men immediately, He did in fact heal them. He told them their request was answered in accordance with their faith. In both cases the healing that took place didn't come from what is visible.  When Jesus looks into our hearts, I believe He is looking for our persistent faith in action.  Believing in what is not tangible, being sure of what we hope for based on the word of God, and certain of what we don't see, is all part of the mystery of God.  We'll never understand it, but we are called to walk in it. When we read accounts of healing like in today's passages, it demonstrates God's love and faithfulness to us.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8)  and that gives us hope.  Just as the woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, the author of this gospel stepped out in faith as well to follow Jesus. He knew the cost of this leap of faith but he didn't hesitate. I pray we all take the next step in reaching out and stepping out in faith in accordance with Gods word. I believe Jesus will reach out His hand to meet us and perhaps even ask us "why did you doubt?"  (Mat. 14:31)

 

 

 

Randi