Walking Through Ephesians
“The Journey of Faith”
Categories: A Month with JesusThe Journey of Faith - John 4
There’s a story in John 4 that we’re not as familiar with. We remember the woman by the well. Every preacher has a sermon on evangelism tied to the woman by the well. But did you catch the other story? It’s found in John 4:46-54.
Jesus is back in Cana of Galilee, the same town He performed His first sign. It’s here He’ll show His second sign (4:54). There’s a royal official – a man of power and prominence – and his son is sick and dying. He comes to Jesus imploring Him to heal his son. Not demanding. Not commanding. Not bribing. Imploring. Begging. Pleading. Sometimes faith grows the most in our darkest hours, in our times of greatest need.
This man is on a journey of faith. His first words to Jesus are words of desperation, not faith, and Jesus knows this (v. 48). But when Jesus challenges this man’s faith, he persists and asks again, and Jesus puts it to the test. “Go, your son lives” (v. 50). Would this man believe Jesus? Would he insist Jesus come with him to lay his hand on his son? Would Jesus’ words be enough?
They were. Notice the three words: “and started off” (v. 50). How do we know he believed Jesus words? He went home. If he didn’t believe Jesus he’d still be there pleading. He’d be looking for another option. This man believed Jesus.
His journey of faith reaches it’s peak when he hears the news his son has recovered, and puts it together that his son was healed while he was speaking with Jesus. It’s an incredible statement: “he himself believed and his whole household” (v. 53). His whole household believed! Maybe it was seeing the son, all of a sudden, healed. Maybe it was hearing the testimony of the father. Either way, they all came to believe.
This story reminds us that faith is a journey. For some it starts in the valley of hardship and suffering. For some it is the product of teaching from godly parents. Either way faith begins with the same thing – the words of Christ.
Have you ever had a sprained ankle? It hurts. There’s a period when you crutch around, waiting for it to strengthen and heal. In every sprained ankle there’s a moment of trust: when I (for the first time) try to put some weight on this injured ankle. Has it healed enough? Is is strong enough to bear my weight? You’ll never know until you take that step.
Our faith is the same way. As we hear Christ’s words and place our weight upon them, trusting God with our lives. It’s saying, “I trust in what you’re saying Jesus. You say you’re Lord. You say You promise good. You say that Your way and plan will bring about the best for my life, so I will trust You and do what You say. We take that step of faith. And you know what we find? It’s much like this noble man – you don’t fall. You can trust in the words of Christ. Why not take that step today?
Holy God, Word of life, today I praise You for being trustworthy. I believe in Your words. You are faithful. Your promises are sure. Your way is always right. I do believe, but help my unbelief. Help me to continue to take that step of faith and put my trust in You and in Your words. And thank You for never giving up on me. Help me in my journey of faith. May each step I take, each day i live, bring me to a greater trust in You.
