Lee received word last week that he is likely to go overseas for six months in January. God is in charge, and He loves me, so I know this is a good thing. This week, I’ve been thinking about this passage and it is giving me rest.
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Matthew 8:5-10
This passage is about authority and its scope. Normally, I should entrust my husband to God anyway, but how do you know if you have that kind of faith? Really, not until he’s farther away and the illusion of control is cast aside.
Just like the centurion acknowledged, God’s authority is not bound by physical proximity. And God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. My husband may appear more vulnerable in Iraq than here in New Mexico, but he will be just as much in God’s care regardless of his physical location. I can trust God.
Now, it is true, that being physically separated from church and family offers unique dangers. But God is no less in control, and I’m certain that he will continue to use this experience to make my husband and myself more like Christ. That’s a good thing. When I think of these things, I have rest.
How is God’s Word changing you this week?
I’ll be praying for you, Michelle.
Thanks, Addy! I need prayer, and I realize that it is only God’s grace that will allow me to rest in Him. What I’m trying to say, though, is that I must trust God regardless of the location of my husband, although maybe in my case it will take a deployment to teach me this. God’s truth applies even without deployment, though. Perhaps others have areas where they are challenged to trust in God. I have a friend with a teenage son who is making some wrong choices. Her natural reaction is more control, more rules, more attempts to hold everything together. Her challenge is the same as mine. We think our rules and control are what keep our children doing right, but unless God protects our children, then our rules and control are worthless. It doesn’t matter whether her children are doing right or sinning; God is faithful to bring us into the conformity of His Son.
I’ll be praying for you also, Michelle. I still forget (neglect?) to remember God is in control in regards to my health and dealing with my children. He knows what He is doing.
Thanks Maya. Yes, our health is another area where we think we have control… but we really don’t. Either way, we have to trust God. Thanks for sharing another example.