For it to be real, belief requires action. We can see this in the story of Jesus healing a son. A government official had come out of desperation. His son was ill and on the point of death. So, he was willing to travel sixteen miles to make a request of Jesus, whom he had never met.
Many followed Jesus, hoping to see a miracle, but these people were seeking Jesus for entertainment, not their salvation. Jesus knew their hearts. After the official had requested Jesus come and heal his son, Jesus took the opportunity to speak to all who were listening. John 4: 48 Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?” [1]
At first glance, this may sound like a rude response to the official. But when we look at the Greek word “you” in the sentence, it is plural both times. Jesus is speaking to the crowd. Amazement centered on the supernatural will never serve for genuine faith in the Savior of the world. But this statement also challenged the official. Where was his faith?
What is Faith?
Merriam-Webster defines faith as “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.”[2] This definition defines faith as a noun. But the dictionary also lists faith as a verb. In this case, there is action because of faith. James gives us good examples of how faith and action are connected.
James 2: 14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? [3]
The Official Acted on His Faith
The official wanted Jesus to physically come and heal his son. Instead, Jesus pronounced the healing from sixteen miles away. Yet, the official accepted Jesus’ statement and started home. He had no proof of healing until he was almost home.
How often are we confused by the way God answers our prayers? We may expect one thing, and in His wisdom, God answers differently. Are we willing to act on what God says? Often, God wants to grow our faith. This requires stepping out when we may be confused. In times like this, we can’t reason it out and act on sheer trust in the goodness of God. As we act and see God surprise us with answers, our trust in Him grows.
Where is God asking you to step out in faith? May you obey and receive His blessings. To learn how belief requires action, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/healing-a-son
[1,3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.