The Light of Christ Journey

Faith changes everything. We had a young man go on a mission trip with us a few years ago because his girlfriend was going. Although there was nothing spiritual about that decision, God, in His mercy, began to work on his heart. Then there was a day when he placed his faith in Jesus. It was a divine encounter.

I love the way the Lord gathered believers around this young man to lead him to faith because the Lord wanted this lost one to spend eternity with Him. On that trip the Lord stepped in and rescued him. His whole life after that began to change. Now years later you can see the fruit in his life that began with faith in Jesus.

Faith and its Effect

What does the Lord tell us about faith? Hebrews 11:⁶And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. ^[1] Wow! Pleasing God begins with faith.

There is nothing in our life that has a greater impact on our life than faith in Jesus as our Savior. Faith will change how we live our life in the present and our eternal destination. While we have a short time in life to become believers in Jesus, we have an eternity to be thankful and praise God. Can you imagine how wonderful heaven is? Paul says it is so good it is beyond our imagination. 2 Corinthians 2:⁹“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” ^[2]

The Gentile Woman Who Encounters Jesus had Great Faith

A Gentile woman is drawn to Jesus because she wants Him to heal her demon possessed daughter. The disciples want to send her away, but she continues to pursue Jesus. She does not give up and what she does next demonstrates her faith.

Matthew 15:²⁴ Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” ²⁵ But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!” ²⁶ Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁷ She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” ²⁸ “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. ^[3]

What about Your Faith?

As you read this, what is the Holy Spirit telling you?  Are you to place your faith in Jesus? Perhaps you are to be courageous and take a step of faith in a new area of your life. Give thanks that God wants to use you to build His Kingdom. Only you know what the Lord is speaking. Listen and follow and see God work.

To hear how faith changes everything, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-a-gentile-woman

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^[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.