Looking off to the Inaugurator and Perfector of faith, Jesus, who, for the joy lying before Him, endures a cross, despising the shame, besides is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12: 2, Concordant New Testament
Many a believer has been reminded countless times that faith can break down walls. This week I received news that a good friend whom we have been in prayer over is recovering well from a recent surgery. Now, nobody could ever convince me that prayer does not indeed work in people's lives. Personally, I have been the benefit of many a prayer over the years. But is prayer really a two- step process? Can we have effective prayer without the faith to back it up? Well, when one looks at the meaning of these two words we see something interesting. See, prayer is simply our conversations with the Father. Jesus Himself spent many a hour alone in prayer talking to the Father. So, it's only natural that He would encourage His followers to pray as well {Matthew 21:21-22}. But taking a look at the words of Jesus in the New Testament and we get an idea how prayer and faith are tied together. In Matthew, Jesus tells us to "Have faith and do not doubt" when it comes to our own conversations with the Father {Matthew 21:21}. Do not doubt that the One we pray to is our heavenly Father. Do not doubt that He listens and cares for His children. Do not doubt...period. This is the essence of breaking down walls with prayer. If we believe without a doubt in our hearts that the Lord will do as He says He will, we can expect good results. Does that mean that I can pray for a new Mercedes sport sedan and if I believe without a doubt it will be delivered to me? Not exactly, for I also believe that we do not get everything we ask the Father for. Just like we did not receive all we asked from our earth bound parents, God knows exactly what we need and when we need it.
Now Jesus went with them. Now, as He is already not far away from the house, the centurion sends friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not bother, for not enough am I that Thou mayest be entering under my roof. Wherefore, neither do I count myself worthy to be coming to Thee. But say the word, and my boy will be healed. For I am also a man set under authority, having soldiers under me, and I am saying to this one 'Go,' and he is going, and to another, 'Come,' and he is coming, and this to my slave, 'Do this,' and he is doing it." Now, hearing these things, Jesus marvels at him, and, being turned to the throng following Him, said, "I am saying to you that not even in Israel did I find so much faith." And, returning into the house, those sent found the infirm slave sound.
Luke 7: 6-10, Concordant New Testament
One of my favorite passages from scripture is the account of Jesus healing the Roman centurions servant. When He heard of the servants affliction, Jesus had every intent to go to the mans house to see what He could do. However, as He approached the Centurions home, he was met by the centurion himself who advised Jesus that He need not come into his home. Why? Because the centurion understood authority. Being a military man, he understood that he had the power to command others. He also correctly understood that Jesus had power over the infirmity which had afflicted his servant. This centurion did not doubt. It's no surprise that Jesus Himself was amazed at the centurions attitude. But was this really the faith of this centurion? The way I see it, this was simply a man who understood authority. Whatever the case may be, this mans servant was healed by Jesus. The story of the centurion is a good example of not doubting the abilities of the Lord. Jesus could have bypassed the centurions request entirely, but He didn't. I believe that He used this episode to teach those who were following Him, and us, that we are to have faith and do not doubt. Can prayer break down walls, absolutely. The walls of Jerico fell at the faith and belief of Joshua and the Israelites. We do well to remember that our prayers are not simply a "name it and claim it" mentality. When we pray, we are revealing to the Father our own triumphs, fears and desires. Of course, He already knows our words even before we utter them. We do well to take a lesson from the Roman soldier when faced with a challenging situation. Do not doubt.
"But coming is the hour, and now is, when the true worshippers will be worshipping the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is also seeking such to be worshipping Him. God is spirit, and those who are worshipping Him must be worshipping in spirit and truth."
John 4: 23-24, Concordant New Testament
~Scott~
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