Revive Me, Week 16–A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord
Be Marvelous!
“Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, ‘I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.'”
(Luke 7:9)
Reading about something that causes Jesus to marvel catches my attention. What did that man do to amaze Jesus? In the beginning of Luke 7, we read about a centurion whose slave was about to die. He sent for Jesus. When the centurion heard that Jesus was on the way, he sent messengers to Him to say He needn’t “trouble Himself” to come all the way under his roof. He said, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (v. 7). He spoke of Jesus’ authority and power. Simply put, the centurion’s speech revealed his great faith.
Words can also reveal weak faith. When the disciples of Jesus experienced a storm, they said, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” Jesus said, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” (Matt. 8:23-26).
Peter took a few brave steps onto the water but then he “became frightened” and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:28-31).
What does your speech reveal about your faith?
Is it obvious to those around you that your faith is great? No matter what life throws at you, you’re quick to speak of the authority and power of Jesus. You happily turn control over to Him. You exude confidence and peace because of your trust in the One who can heal the broken and calm the storms.
Or does your speech reveal a little faith? You’re a fretter. You’re easily overwhelmed. You allow the things of this world to intimidate you. When you experience a storm, your words reveal your fear. When you begin to sink, your cries reveal your doubt.
I want Jesus to marvel at my faith, don’t you?
This week, be marvelous! Create opportunities to declare your great faith.
Suggestions for the week:
1. Marvelous is a terrific word. Look it up. Just reading the definition and its synonyms will make you feel good.
2. Study the accounts of the centurion and his great faith (Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10). Also study the accounts of those who dismayed Jesus by their little faith (Matt. 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8). What situations did these individuals find themselves in? How did they react?
3. Think of your specific storms. How have you reacted? Have you allowed fear and worry to weaken your faith? What will you do and say to show your great faith?
4. Be mindful of opportunities this week to cause others to marvel at your great faith.
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Life and Favor (Job 10:12) 