Hope

For me, spring is a time of hope and wonder. When I walk outside or drive along country roads, I am truly enchanted by all the newly green growth and multicolored budding flowers. During this time when I feel my hope rising, I am reminded of all the good things my Father has for me. In fact, He came to this world so that we would never be without hope. There is truly no situation left hopeless. After the bleakness of winter, the startling beauty of spring provides a visual reminder of this reality.

What are the things you are hoping for as the seasons change?

Romans 8:28 constantly reminds me that our Abba only wants good things for each of His beloved children. As I have been reading through Matthew 8 and 9 the past few mornings, I have been reminded of the part we play in partnering with Him for these good things that He desires for us.

Y'all, it is so simple.

Consider the centurion. He believed Jesus merely had to command it and his paralyzed servant would be healed. Jesus was AMAZED by the centurion's faith. In reply, Jesus said "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would."

A group of men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus believing he would be healed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven... get up, take your mat and go home."

A sick woman had been suffering for twelve long years. She knew the solution to her problem - touching the cloak of Jesus. She believed that was how she would receive her healing. After touching His cloak, He turned to her and said, "Take heart, daughter... your faith has healed you."

A synagogue leader's daughter had died, so the leader sought out the help of Jesus. The synagogue leader believed his daughter would live if Jesus simply put His hand on her. Once Jesus arrived at the scene, he informed the mourning crowd that she was merely asleep. He took the girl by the hand, and she rose to life.

Two blind men followed Jesus, begging for His mercy and healing. When the men met Jesus, Jesus asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" The two men replied that they believed, so Jesus touched their eyes. He said, "According to your faith let it be done to you." Their sight was restored.

After reading through these miracles, I felt God repeatedly emphasizing the faith each of these people held onto as they sought the healing touch of Jesus. The centurion believed a mere command would heal his servant. The sick woman believed a touch of Jesus' cloak would bring her healing. The synagogue leader believed his daughter needed a touch from the hands of Jesus to live once again. Each of these people had faith for a specific act of Jesus to bring the desired healing. Thus, Jesus operated in a slightly different way each time, but the result was always healing and restoration.

The faith we cling to actually allows God to operate in our situation. Jesus didn't scold these people for believing for a specific act; instead, he applauded their earnest faith.

So I ask you again, what are you hoping for as a new season arrives?

I challenge you to begin envisioning the loving reply of our Father.

Envision your healing. Envision the restoration of relationships and finances. Envision deliverance from the fear or anxiety that plagues you. Envision walking out your purpose like never before.

And cry out to King Jesus. He is ever faithful.