By Don Cannon
Luke 7:6-7
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
In today’s Bible passage, a Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant. First, he asked Jewish elders to approach Jesus on his behalf. When the elders told Jesus how much the centurion loved the Jewish people, Jesus agreed to go to him. Then, the centurion sent his men out of his house to talk to Jesus instead of going to Jesus himself. The centurion was a man of authority, but he humbled himself before the authority of Jesus. He knew Jesus didn’t even need to see the servant but could heal him from anywhere. Jesus was amazed how this Gentile had such faith in Him, even more faith than most of His own people.
Over twenty years ago, I leaned on my faith when my oldest son suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm while in his 20’s. Doctors said it would be a miracle if he survived.
Throughout his hospital stay, I prayed to Jesus daily to save him. I knew that only Jesus could perform the miracle I needed. After spending two months in the hospital and six months in rehab, my son has not only survived; he’s thrived. Today, he is fifty years-old, married and has a daughter.
The faithful know that Jesus hears all our prayers, but not all prayers are answered the way we hope. My faith in Jesus, like the centurion’s faith, is enough to sustain me. Jesus is alive and performing miracles every day. May God bless you as you look for them and pray for them.
Pray with me…
Father God, I am grateful beyond words for what You did for my son, and You have continued to perform miracles in my family. Help us remember that prayers are answered according to Your plan, not ours. This Lenten season, I pray that You will find the lost, heal the hurting, and Your will be done in all things. Strengthen our faith to not simply believe that You can but know that You will. Amen.