YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WELL

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)

“Your faith has made you well.”  Did the blind man heal himself?  Certainly not, it was God who healed him, but Jesus brings out the necessity of faith.  There were times that miracles were restrained because of unbelief.  And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. (Mat 13:57-58)  However, it would be wrong to conclude that all who were not healed was due to a lack of faith.  Even the faithful Paul received “No” as an answer from the Lord, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2Co 12:9).

God’s healing power and faith work together, and if faith is essential for healing the body, how much more then is it essential for healing the spirit.  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. (Eph 2:8) Faith is submission to God’s will, a contrite heart.  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)  Without faith, there is resistance to His will.  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. (Heb 11:6)  To resist God’s Will is to be proud and haughty, which the Lord will cast down.  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. (Pro 18:12)

Have faith in God rather than faith in self.  The blind man understood that he could not heal himself and submitted to the one who could.  Has your faith made you well?          ~Andrew Lehman