Amazed!

Has anyone ever made a DISCOVERY about us that AMAZED them; something they had not known that took them by surprise? Because of how much walking I do around our small community on quite a number of occasions I have had people come up to me saying things like, "I saw you driving the other day and I was shocked." or "I didn't even know you had a car." Walking into our local auto parts store one day someone even asked me why I was there! What did I need car parts for?

Matthew records an occasion when Jesus was entering Capernaum and was approached by a centurian whose servant was lying paralyzed and he wanted Jesus to heal him. ( Matthew 8:5-13, with a parallel account found in Luke 7:1-10) Jesus was willing to go to the servant, but the centurian did not feel worthy of Jesus coming into his home. Therefore he said, "but only say the word, and my servant will be healed." (Mathew 8:8) This centurian was asking for a long distance healing. He had faith that Jesus could do it without even coming into direct contact with his servant. Do we find that amazing? Jesus did and drew attention to this AMAZING EXAMPLE OF FAITH!

We read. . .
"(10) When JESUS heard this, he MARVELED and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, WITH NO ONE IN ISRAEL HAVE I FOUND SUCH FAITH." ( Matthew 8:10 ESV)

What a DISCOVERY OF FAITH found with this centurian! But where was the faith of the Jews? Too often it was a lack of belief or faith at which Jesus was left to marvel. (i.e. Mark 6:6) If Jesus marveled at such a faith, might the world as well when it is clearly visible in our life in spite of the challenges that befall us in this world?

With AMAZING FAITH in the One Who has power to do all things and fulfill every promise He has made, we can be filled with an AMAZING PEACE that surpasses the understanding of those around us. ( Philippians 4:7) Such faith will also sustain an AMAZING JOY that is both "inexpressible" ( 1 Peter 1:8) and "overflowing" ( 2 Corinthians 7:4) even in the face of trials. And we can have all of this because of the AMAZING GRACE God has made available to us through Christ. May all this be the AMAZING DISCOVERY of those around us as they observe us living by faith. This will help them to see the real difference Jesus has made in our life and can make in theirs as well!

Have a great day HELPING OTHERS DISCOVER THE AMAZING LIFE JESUS PROVIDES!
Carl

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