Set the Sail (Preparing for a Move of God) نموونە

The Faith Necessity: Such Great Faith

What role does our faith play in enacting the miraculous work of God? What is the relationship between the faith we possess and God’s choosing to break through into our natural world and move in powerful, supernatural ways? Or – even taking what we would strictly define as ‘miracles’ out of the question altogether – what role does our faith play in God’s everyday moving and working?

To be clear, the kind of ‘faith’ I’m referring to is not the same as saving faith. That kind of faith, whose object is Christ, is a complete gift; and given to us absolutely separate and apart from anything we could contribute or bring to the table. But when it comes to exercising ‘faith’ in God to work and move; the Gospels seem to indicate that our faith has a role to play. In fact, the Gospels are littered with accounts of individuals who approached Jesus ‘in faith’ and seemingly were granted their requests on account of their faith. On multiple occasions the faith they possess is even commended by Christ.

One such example is found here in Matthew 8 and concerns a Roman Centurion. Jesus pays him the ultimate compliment in 8:10 when he says “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” The reason Jesus’ commendation, and the Centurion’s faith is so significant is because this Roman man wasn’t a Jew! In fact, from the vantage point of first-century Judaism (the people group to whom Jesus had supposedly come to save), this Roman Centurion would have been considered unclean. The contrast of this ‘unclean’ Gentile’s faith against the people group who should have possessed this kind of faith (the Jews; even people from Jesus' own hometown as we read about yesterday) is emphasised all the more by Jesus highlighting that this man’s faith is greater than anyone in all of Israel!

Jesus responds to this man’s great faith; regardless of the fact that it came from an unexpected place (or person). The Roman Centurion’s servant is healed and restored to full health; like he was never even sick in the first place. That’s the power and authority of Jesus Christ! That’s the power and authority of the God-man Jesus of Nazareth who we worship and serve! Do you have this kind of faith? Christians are often expected to be those who possess great faith; yet often our familiarity has numbed us and we're actually more faithless than we would care to admit. Recapturing that faith – in the One who still heals, works miracles and brings breakthroughs today – is a necessary prerequisite for setting the sail and seeing revival come in our lives, city and nation.