Monday of the 4th week of Lent. Bible Study: Isaiah 65:17-21, Psalm 30 and John 4:43-54
“Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living.” (John 4:50-51)
“No matter what they tell you, no matter what they do, no matter what they teach you, what you believe is true, and that would keep you safe and strong and sheltered from the storm.” These lines from one of my favourite songs of all time suddenly came alive to me as I reflected on today’s Gospel passage.
There was an official whose son was ill. He went to Jesus to beg him to come down and heal his son because he was at the point of death. Surprisingly, the same Jesus who was willing to go to the Centurion’s house whose servant was ill was not willing to with the official to his house. Jesus seemed to even test this man’s faith by saying: “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”
The official simply said: “Sir come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him: “Go, your son will live.” At this point, the man did not push further. Why? He believed Jesus completely. And upon reaching his home, he found his son fully recovered.
I once read somewhere, “Faith is the evidence of things not seen and the reward of faith is to see those things you believe.” Whatever you believe becomes your reality. As the song puts it, no matter what they say, your beliefs are always true.
Maybe it is time to re-examine your beliefs. Positive beliefs are called “hopes, dreams, goals, visions.” While our negative beliefs are called “fears, anxieties or worries.” Don’t die before your time! Drop your fears, forget what anyone has to say, no matter what your situation may be right now, have a positive look at it again.
Stop complaining and look out for the silver lining in your cloud. Start thanking God instead, start expecting better. The words of Jesus “ask and you will receive…” are still true. (Matthew 7:7)
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me understand I can change my reality by changing my mind. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.