What does it take to have great faith in prayer? Luke 7:2-11 gives us an account of faith that Jesus declared as “great faith”.
One day a leader of 100 soldiers needed Jesus to come and heal one of his choice servants. The leader sent some important people to Jesus to ask for this choice servant to be healed. The men encouraged Jesus to come because the leader had done so much for their community. They claimed Jesus should come because the man was “worthy” because of all the good things the leader had done.
Jesus followed the important people and while on the way, the leader sent other servants saying. “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to enter under my roof; for that reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You; but just say the word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under myself; and 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.”
After hearing the message from the leader Jesus exclaimed, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” The servants returned and found the choice servant in good health.
What did the man do that demonstrated such great faith?
- Called for Jesus.
- Did not presume himself valuable enough to bother the Lord.
- Knew those in authority could speak and it would be done.
- Believed Jesus had authority to speak and it would be done.
Great faith could be accomplished by calling on Jesus, knowing your value compared to His is minute, recognizing all authority in Heaven and earth has been given to Jesus, and believe Jesus can speak and what He says will happen.
This leader had something very special to him messed up, broken down, and out of commission. What in your life is messed up, broken down, and out of commission?
- Call on Jesus.
- Don’t presume God will answer you because of your value.
- Know God has authority to speak and the situation will be improved.
- Believe God hears your request and answers though He has never come under your roof.
Follow this leader’s pattern and Jesus will say of you that he has seen great faith.
Written By: Anne Gurley
Thank you for this great reminder to grow our Faith in Jesus!