The caption of this write up is taken from Mark 5:36. These were the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, spoken to reassure Jairus, who just got information that his daughter who was sick, for whom he came to seek Jesus, has died. Let’s read it, “While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? [36] As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” Mark 5:35-36 KJV. Needless to say that Jesus was telling Jairus, that all he needed to do in order to see his daughter back to life, is believe in the resurrection power of God. Yes, by extension, He was telling us that faith is all we need to experience the power of God. Similarly, the man who’s son had a dumb spirit went to Jesus begging for him to heal his son, but Jesus replied and told him the ball was in his court. All he needs to do is believe: “And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. [23] Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:22-23 KJV. In other words, just as the Bible says with God all things are possible, we can equally say with faith all things are possible.
This truth is unambiguous in scriptures and the Bible is replete with instances that illustrate it. The interaction between Jesus Christ and Martha before the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead also gives credence to this truth: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?…Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” John 11:25-26,39-40 KJV. It’s vital that we understand this truth: the only thing we need to operate as the sons and daughters of God is faith; yes, faith is what we need to walk in the supernatural. Faith is the key to open heavens. All those that made a difference in scriptures, did so by faith: “For by it the elders obtained a good report.” Hebrews 11:2 KJV.
Moreover, let’s not forget that Jesus Christ openly applauded the people that received their miracles or healing through their own faith. It is pertinent to note that the woman with the issue of blood did not beg Jesus Christ for her healing, neither did she get his consent, all she did was believe that if she could touch the helm of his garment, she will be made whole. Jesus Christ only became conscious of what was going on when he felt power leaving him. I know you are probably familiar with this story, but please read through it: “And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, [26] And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, [27] When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. [28] For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. [29] And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. [30] And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? [31] And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? [32] And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. [33] But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. [34] And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:26-34 KJV
It was her faith that healed her. That power she tapped into for her healing is still available to us, it’s available to his church, it is our turn to tap into it. It is your turn to tap into it.
Furthermore, there were instances in scriptures when Jesus was not inclined to heal or perform a miracle, but was compelled, as it were, to do so by the faith of the recipient. In John chapter 2, verses 1 through 11, at the marriage in Canaan, Mary the mother of Jesus Christ told him they had run out of wine, but Jesus’ initial response was, “mine hour is not yet come.” But she insisted by telling the attendants, “…Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” John 2:5 KJV. Her persistence paid off. Jesus performed his first public miracle that day by turning water into wine. Jesus was not willing to perform any miracle at this time; it was the faith of Mary, the mother of Jesus that produced this miracle. This shows faith can move the hands of God.
Similarly, if we carefully look at the encounter of Jesus Christ and the Greek woman whose daughter was sick in Matthew 15:21-28, it is obvious that it was her faith that gave her the healing she desired for her daughter. Jesus was not ready at that time to extend the bread of healing to the gentiles: “But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. [27] And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. [28] Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” Matthew 15:26-28 KJV. Note that through her faith, she did not only get the healing of her daughter which came for, she also earned the ‘respect’ of Jesus Christ who initially called her a dog. Yes, faith will not only make you walk in the supernatural, it will make you earn the ‘respect’ of heaven.
The illustration Jesus gave in Luke 18:1-8 when teaching on the importance of persistence in prayer, can also buttress the fact that faith can change things. The point here is, if a wicked person, one who has no interest in doing good, or doing what is right, could change his mind and do what is right by the force of faith, we can be sure that God will readily answer our prayers when we apply faith, even though it may seem to us that there is a delay. Please read through carefully, “Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: [3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. [4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; [5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. [6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. [7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:2-8 KJV
Please note that the woman’s persistence is considered faith in verse 8. This definition of faith is consistent with scriptures. For instance Hebrew 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” To be diligent is to be constant in effort to accomplish something. It also means being persistent in doing something. And of course, it means faith as well, as we can see in this scripture. We have also seen that the persistence of the Greek woman, who came to Jesus Christ for the healing of her daughter in Matthew 15:21-28 was called great faith by the Master Himself, “Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” Matthew 15:28 KJV. Yes, you can touch the heart of God, you can move the hand of God and certainly get that breakthrough you desire if you are persistent in trusting God, and doing the right thing.
Another definition of faith so apparent in scriptures, is the absence of fear or doubt. We see this definition in the statement of the master when He said,”Be not afraid, only believe.” Mark 5:36. When we believe God, when we believe his word and his promises; we open ourselves to endless possibilities. Peter was able to walk on water as long as he believed on the word of Jesus Christ who told him to step out of the boat and come. But as soon as he entertained fear and doubt, he started sinking: “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31. It’s important to note that it was when Peter took his focus from Jesus Christ (the word of God) and started focusing on the sea and the wind that he started sinking. Therefore the best cure for doubt and fear is staying focused on Christ. Hebrew 12:2 admonishes us on this. It says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The verb looking is present continues. This means the action is ongoing without interruption. If we must stay in the realm of faith, we must keep looking onto him; his word, and promises. We must meditate on His word and allow His word to permeate our being. We must follow his footsteps.
To be continued