Taking Jesus At His Word

Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” John 4:50

The man took Jesus at his word and departed. He was not used to taking people at their word like this. Usually he needed more proof. But this was his moment of greatest need. His son was deathly ill, and the doctors could not help him. His last resort was to turn to Jesus and plead for his help.

“Lord,” he pleaded, “please come now before my little boy dies.”

The way Jesus said “Your son will live” changed this man’s life on the spot. There was such conviction in Jesus’ voice, such authority and confidence that the man immediately believed him and went on his way.

He didn’t need to see the results to believe, because the Son of God had spoken them. He didn’t need the opinions of others, because the author of creation had spoken. The simple word of God calmed his heart in the most dire situation he had ever faced.

This is what happens when you encounter the Word of God. It rings in your soul and inspires your faith. It supersedes all other opinions and banishes all doubts. It addresses your heart’s fears and sets you back on course for the adventure of your life.

In what areas do you need to hear the simple and clear word of God? What situations in your life need God’s insight? Ask God to provide his wisdom in these areas, and then read the Bible expecting to hear from him.

God, I need to hear from you. Give me the faith to believe what you tell me, just as the man whose son was deathly sick believed.