21 Day Experiment-Day 4

I’ve heard it said that talk is cheap. But words are the mysterious raw material of God’s creative activity.  He spoke the world into existence. I have always loved words.  I’m intrigued by their power both for good and evil.

Welcome to the 21 Day Experiment in Prayer.  In today’s reading, John 4 brings us to Jesus’ second miracle.  This time, a little more is at stake than a bridegroom running out of wine at his wedding party.  A royal official’s son is sick and close to death (John 4:46-54).

The official swallows any pride that went with his title and begs Jesus to come with him to heal his son.  “You may go,” Jesus tells him.  “Your son will live.”  But Jesus tells him to go home alone–without Him.   I can only imagine the leap of faith it took for this father to return home with only Jesus’ promise. His Word, but not His actual presence.

The father’s response is one of great faith.  I’m so inspired I’ve made it my watchword for today: The man took Jesus at His word and departed (John 4:50).

The phrase “took him at his word” comes from the Greek word pisteuo, which means “to trust.” While the man was still on the way home, his servants met him with the news that the boy was alive!  What’s more, he got better at the precise time Jesus spoke His promise.^“Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed” (John 4:53 NIV).

I seem to be bumping into this trust theme a lot lately. It’s tempting to focus more on the problem than on God’s ability to solve it.  But as a friend of mine reminds me, we should “glance at the problem but gaze on the promise.”

Has Jesus spoken a promise to your heart?  It can require great faith to take Him at His Word and walk away from your problem–without worrying. Sometimes being a doer of the Word simply means holding onto your faith and refusing to fear.

Prayer:  Lord, You know the problem that weighs heavy on my heart today.  I ask you to give me complete confidence in Your Word.  Help me to fully trust You.  Empower me to turn my back on this problem and keep my eyes on Your Promise. No more fear!