Growing Faith

When He entered Capernaum, a centurion's slave, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy for You to grant this, because he loves our nation and has built a synagogue." Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell Him, "Lord, don't trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not come to You myself. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, 'Go!" And he goes; and to another, 'Come!' And he comes; and to my slave 'Do this!' And he does it." Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, "I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel!" When those who had been sent returned to the house,mth ey found the slave in good health. Luke 7:1-1

This story is a story of growing faith. Initially the centurion sent Jewish leaders, perhaps thinking that they would be listened to by Jesus, next he sends his friends, possibly also Romans. This required a leaf of faith. Why would Jesus listen to Gentiles when His mission was to the Jews?

We see a growth in faith by the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4. The woman's son dies and she saddles her donkey and goes to find Elisha. When her husband inquires where she is going she says, "It shall be well." When she finally finds Elisha and he asks her what is wrong and discovers her son is dead. Elisha sends his servant but she will not let him go. She eventually receives her son back to life.

My mother was in hospital after flying up to visit me in Tamworth, on 28th December, wih a bowel issue. This was the fourth time last year. The doctor was very inclined to think mum had pancreatic cancer, we faced this beast years ago and won. I know when you win a victory you win it. We have stood and stood and stood against cancer. Mum beat it twice and here it was again threatening us. I started to pray and confess God. I said to mum, this enemy is down on the ground beneath our feet, he cannot come back. The more I confessed the better she became. Today I put her on a flight home to Sydney and she was well.

Faith grows with use. When I start confessing there is nothing that says I am right, except the word of God. But as I keep confessing circumstances change.