When Faith Takes Your Hand
Hey there, friend, it’s so appreciated that you decided to come droppin’ by today like a cool, comfortin’ breeze sneakin’ through a grove of pecan trees after a long, hot Texas afternoon. I’ve been just sittin’ here watchin’ a jittery lil’ ol’ chipmunk tryin’ to boss around a slow‑movin’ old turtle that refused to give up his sunny spot. It plum got me to thinkin’ about how sometimes the smallest lil’ ol’ critters have the biggest expectations. And that there’s right into the heart of faith that dares to expect somethin’ from Jesus.
Matthew 9:18. “While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead. But come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.” And to deepen this here truth, let’s weave in Psalm 62:8, which says, “Trust in him at all times. Ye people, pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us.” That there verse plum reminds us that faith is not fancy. Faith is real honest. Faith is bold enough to ask Jesus for what seems impossible.
This ruler believed Jesus needed to lay His hand on the girl. Jesus could’ve just healed her with a word, but He met the man right where his faith stood. That there’s how the Lord works with us. He doesn’t scold us for small faith. He plum builds on it. James 1:5 reminds us that God gives wisdom generously without rebuke. He knows when our faith feels small as a lil’ ol’ field mouse takin’ a peek from behind the feed sacks in the barn.
There is human faith that trusts only what the five senses can handle. But God’s kind of faith calls things that are not as though they already were. It’s the kind of faith that sits down in a sturdy oak chair instead of a cardboard one. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. When our faith rests on Him, it’s never placed on something real weak.
And friend, faith gits to growin’ best in the soil of love. We trust those that we know truly love us. If faith feels real hard, it’s usually because we’ve plum forgotten how deeply God loves us. Let Him remind you today. His love strengthens faith the way sunshine strengthens a lil’ ol’ saplin’ tree.
Father, thank You for meeting me right where my faith stands. Teach me to trust You more deeply. Help me rely on Your love and rest in Your strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, as you git to movin’ on into your day’s work, stick this truth in a real good place right where you can reach it. Faith just ain’t somethin’ real floppy like a porch board groanin’ under your grandpa’s footsteps. It’s plum sturdy enough to be holdin’ you when life charges at you like an angry Banty rooster that thinks he’s plum protectin’ his brood of hens. It’s gentle enough to be steadyin’ you when you git to feelin’ about as small as a baby kitten peekin’ from behind his momma’s protective leg. And it’s sho’-nuff’ powerful enough to bring life, hope, and strength wherever Jesus lays His hand to touch the situation whatever it may be.
With joy,
Gwen
