We
walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7
God sometimes answers our prayers in marvelous ways, but He does not want us to become
preoccupied with the miraculous. That's why Jesus gently rebuked the nobleman who begged
Him to come and heal his son (John 4:48). But in response to the father's repeated appeal
He said, "Go your way, your son lives" (v.50). The father came to
"believe" on the basis of Jesus' word alone. The reality of his faith is seen in
the fact that he obeyed Christ's simple command and "he went his way."
Upon returning home, the nobleman discovered that his son had been healed "at the
seventh hour" on the previous day. From his servants he learned exactly what had
taken place and when. His son was made well at the same instant that Jesus said,
"Your son lives" (vv.50-53).
At times we are amazed by God's perfect timing and miraculous intervention when He answers
our prayers. We must be careful, though, not to become so preoccupied with the miracle
that we forget the One who performed it. We need to remain focused on Christ, whether a
miracle takes place or not.
Sooner or later we will be called upon to trust God as we endure sickness, grief, or
disappointment. That's when "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians
5:7).
-HVL
Sometimes we see a miracle,
And faith in God revives;
Yet eyes of faith can see God's hand
At work throughout our lives.
-Hess
Believing is seeing what our eyes cannot see.