Apprehending Doubt
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Stepping in to Faith
The Bible assures us that Father God knew us before the foundation of the world. He has bestowed spiritual gifts upon us because He knows what is required for us to fulfill our destiny and purpose in Him. Father God is always able to open doors that no man could never open and in so doing, He is able to assist us in stepping right into the heart of our divine purpose within Him. The Bible assures us that our gift makes room for us, opening doors for us and bringing us into the presence of great men (Proverbs 18:16).
The Roman Centurion knew that Jesus held the answer to healing his servant who was extremely ill and on the verge of death. Romans were considered to be the opressers and enemies of the people of Israel, so it was extremely brave of this man to approach Jesus and ask for a miracle from Him:
Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof but only speak a word and my servant will be healed. I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘go’ and he goes; and to another, ‘come’ and he comes…” (Matthew 8:8-9)
When Jesus heard what the Centurion had to say, He marveled because of the man’s faith and the man’s understanding of authority:
Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! … Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you. (Matthew 8:10&13)
I believe that there is a key to faith revealed here. Jesus tells the Centurion “as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” This is vital! What are we believing that Jesus will do for us and how are we limiting Him through our unbelief or doubt?
Another example of great faith is shared in the story of the Canaanite woman who had a daughter in need of a miracle. When the woman first approached Jesus and told Him of her issue, asking for healing for her daughter who was severely demon possessed, He didn’t even acknowledge her:
“He answered her not a word.” (Matthew 15:23)
The disciples saw that a Canaanite woman had approached Jesus and they came up to Him urging Him to send her on her way because she would not stop crying out for the miracle she needed. Jesus responded by explaining that He was “sent to the lost sheep of Israel”. The woman responded by worshiping Him and saying, “Lord, help me!” (Matthew 15:25) Her response indicates that she knew who Jesus was, and she acknowledged that He was her Lord through her worship of Him. Jesus told her that it is “not good to take the children’s bread and give it to the little dogs”. In this statement, He is letting us know that healing is just as necessary as bread is for the spiritual life of each and every one of His children.
In the time when Jesus was walking the earth as a man, the people who were not of the Jewish tradition were referred to as dogs. The woman whom He was speaking with was well aware of that and she responded by saying “yes, however even the little dogs get the scraps from the Master’s table. (Matthew 15:27). Once again, she was acknowledging that He was her master. Jesus was amazed and responded “Oh woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” (Matthew 15:28)
I believe that this exchange between the Canaanite woman and Jesus, offers us another key to faith. When we acknowledge who Jesus is and we respond by worshiping Him for all that He has done for us, our faith will be rewarded.
Each one of us has been given a measure of faith, in some instances it’s as small as a mustard seed, however when we invest that faith in the kingdom, God brings the increase. Our doubt or unbelief is what limits what it is that God is able to do for us. These two stories tell us that when we utilize our gift of faith, it will make room for us no matter where we are from; our faith will open doors for us, drawing on heaven and releasing the solutions which we need for ourselves as well as for others.
[Note: I selected this picture to go with this post to represent us apprehending any potential doubt or denial in our lives. The rooster symbolizes the denial of Jesus by Peter three times before the rooster crowed.]
Eternal Hope in Christ