Matthew 9:18 – 22 ESV While He was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live. And Jesus rose and followed him, with His disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”Jesus turned, and seeing her He said, “Take heart daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
Here are two very different people, with very different circumstances, but one solution. The first is a ruler, a man of power and influence. The second is a woman, likely weak physically and in her place in society. Their problems were different, but had a common thread. Both had situation that was too great for them to handle on their own. So they came to Jesus because they believed He could succeed where they could not.
It does not matter who you are, eventually you will end up in a situation where your circumstances overpower you. We were not created to be masters of our own fate. On the contrary, we were created to need and rely on God. In fact, it is the person who has realized their total dependence on God who has the most peace. Striving to control our destiny leads to frustration and anxiety.
Both of these people came to God with a humble attitude and full of faith. In both cases God (Jesus) responded to them and met their needs. When we embrace our ultimate weakness, and come to God humbly, He will respond to us. I am not saying God will always give us what we ask for, but He will provide all that we need in abundant measure.
Had either of these people decided to work things out on their own they would have remained in their grief and loss. When we try to keep control of our lives and circumstances we will ultimately fail and the result will be pain and heartache. Joy comes from recognizing that God is sovereign and in control. Then we can be free to trust Him to work powerfully in our life.
In the next two posts I will delve into each of these miracles more fully and see what lessons there are in them.
Lord God, I praise You for being the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are awesome and almighty. I surrender to You and offer the burden of life to You, because they are too great for me. Thank You for faithfully meeting my needs and giving me peace.