Genuine faith involves action. This theme is found throughout the Bible. The Lord called Noah to build an Ark, but he had to put his faith into action to make it. God called Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, but he had to put his faith into action by following the Lord’s directions. Only when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son that the Lord relented and provided a ram in Isaac’s place.
Perhaps putting your faith into action is something you have struggled with in the past or are struggling with right now. If we are honest, I believe there are times when we all struggle with putting our faith into action. Sometimes we need to hear the words that the Lord spoke to Joshua when he took over the leadership from Moses. Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.[1] We can also be strong and courageous with God’s strength and put our faith into action.
Putting Our Faith into Action Means Taking Risks
We often worry about what others will think of us. This may prevent us from putting our faith into action. In this week’s story, both Jairus and the woman with the bleeding issue had to risk putting their faith into action.
Jairus was the synagogue’s leader, and most Jewish leaders didn’t like Jesus. Yet, he throws himself at the feet of Jesus, which was undignified for someone of his position. He pushed aside religious controversy and his pride to make his request of Jesus. For what will this matter if his daughter dies? Then the news of the daughter’s death comes. Jesus urges him to keep the faith, so they continue to his home.
The woman with the bleeding issue was considered unclean. This meant she should warn others, so they don’t touch her and become ceremonially unclean. Yet, she is sure that she will be healed if she touches Jesus’ clothing. So, she tries to do this secretly. The crowd will be angry if they find out they had unwittingly touched her in the jostling crowd and been made unclean.
The woman probably thought her plan had worked until Jesus asked who had touched Him. It would have taken even more faith to admit what she had done, not only to Jesus but to the crowd. Mark 5:33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” [2]
Putting Our Faith into Action is Rewarding
Both Jairus and the woman took risks and had their faith rewarded. Not only this, but their faith grew because of what Jesus did for each of them. Think about how many people have been impacted by this story through the years. Put your faith into action today, and let your faith guide your actions. As you do, you will see the Lord move in your life in ways you never dreamed. Remember, spiritual breakthroughs occur one step at a time.
To hear how genuine faith involves action, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-the-urgent-inconvenient
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jos 1:6). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 5:33–34). Tyndale House Publishers.