Astonished Beyond Measure

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, 

“He has done all things well.  He makes both the deaf 

to hear and the mute to speak

(Mark 7:37)

Jesus’ reputation as a healer preceded Him wherever He went.  Always there came to Him those with physical, mental and emotional afflictions.  Often they were brought by friends or relatives who asked for help on their behalf.  Such was the case referred to in the above scripture passage.

Jesus frequently asked for a declaration of faith before granting a request.  Although it is not recorded that He did so in this instance, the fact that they brought to Him one who was deaf and had a speech impediment and begged Him to put His hands on him (Mark 7:32) is indicative of their belief in Jesus’ ability to heal their friend. How ironic, then that they were astonished when He did so.

Yet, to my shame I sometimes find myself reacting in much the same way.  Having asked God to work out a particular matter, I am surprised when He does so.  Previous experiences in my life as well as the lives of others have proven God’s capability and faithfulness.  So while it is not hard to say He can do something; it’s more difficult to trust that He will.

Assuming that God will answer specific requests may seem presumptuous unless we remember that God Himself instructs His children to do just that:

I say to you, ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; 

knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives,

and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened

 (Luke 11:9-10)

I need a lot more faith, Dear Lord, to take You at Your Word;
To trust that You are listening and my heartfelt prayer have heard.
I do not need to figure out exactly what You’ll do;
I only need to ask Your help and leave the rest to You.
Please give me greater faith, Dear Lord, that when I stop to pray,
I’ll trust that You will work it out, somehow…sometime…someway. 
                                                                         Glenda Collins Inman