Doubt to Faith

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. John 4:48.
Like a flash of light, the Saviour’s words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, “Sir, come down ere my child die.” His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26).
Like Jacob he prevailed. The Saviour cannot withdraw from the soul that clings to Him, pleading its great need. “Go thy way,” He said: “thy son liveth.” The nobleman left the Saviour’s presence with a peace and joy he had never known before. Not only did he believe that his son would be restored, but…. he trusted in Christ as the Redeemer….
Like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love.
The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn.
The day is just before us when Satan will … present numerous miracles to confirm the faith of all those who are seeking this kind of evidence. How terrible will be the situation of those who close their eyes to the light of truth and ask for miracles to establish them in deception.
Conflict and Courage p. 295
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for Shirley who had a small aneurysm in her brain bleed today. Rose
—–Please pray again for Paul, the man dying with liver disease, who miraculously came home from the hospital. He’s back in the hospital, very sick with kidneys failing. May Gods will be done and may he have a fully surrendered heart. Nancy
—–Marcus suffered a brain bleed and has passed. At this time, please focus your prayers on the family in their time of loss. Thanks so much. Emily
—–My husband is leaving for a trip to his home state today to attend a funeral. Please pray for traveling mercies for him and that I and our pets and our home will be safe while he is gone. Jean
—–Please pray for my friend and her grandchildren who are going through heartbreaking trials and health problems. Rose
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Dear Friends
The other day, we were talking about various animals and the insects they attract. It reminded me of the time when Eileen was three and we lived in a house trailer on the side of a hill in rural Pennsylvania. A large field with about ten cows in it was within a few feet of our front door. From our front window, we could see the tiny community at the bottom of the hill, fields and forests beyond, and of course those cows. Eileen enjoyed standing at the window watching them and talking to them. They must have liked the attention we gave them, because they seemed to spend most of their time near our trailer. Unfortunately, so many swarms of flies were attracted to those animals that we could not enjoy being outside because the moment we opened the door, flies would be buzzing around our heads and landing on us. Only in the winter after the flies were gone, could Eileen really enjoy playing outside.
Just as those swarms of flies told that there were cows nearby, so our influence have a big impact for good of for ill. By our influence we can lead those around us to stay on the right path or to stray from it. One little word can cause someone around us to start down the path that leads to destruction. Solomon’s proverb is as true today as it was when he uttered it. “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor.” Ecc 10:1 Our words and actions tell what is in our heart. Our Dear Saviour says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt 12:34-37
How important that we daily give our heart to Jesus, that we may exert a right influence on those with whom we come in contact. Jesus, when He was upon this earth, had an attraction the drew people to Him. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38 When He was near, people felt loved, they felt accepted, they felt convicted of their sins and desired to change for the better, to do those things which please Him. (1 John 3:22)
Our Dear Saviour’s loving and kind influence was in direct contrast to that of the religious leaders who bound “heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and laid them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves would not move them with one of their fingers.” Matt 23:4 Jesus visited people in their homes, bringing them both physical and spiritual healing. He walked their streets, pressed in by crowds of people all wanting to see Him, all wanting to touch Him. Even though most were there only for the excitement, or for the blessings He could bestow, He never turned them away. His influence even caused His enemies to marvel. When spies were sent to catch Him in His words, they declared, ” ‘Master, thou hast well said.’ And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.” Luke 20:39,40 When officers were sent to arrest Him, they returned to the Pharisees with the report, “Never man spake like this man.” John 7:46
May our influence lead others to our Dear Redeemer, drawing them closer to Him, that they may accept His free gift of salvation. May we daily pray, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ps 19:14
Rose