So many times, in our lives, we are desperate for God to move in our situation. Our patience has run thin. Doubt has creeped in. Discouragement has overtaken us. Our faith is fading away. Because we live in a world that provides a microwave response for our needs, the Church has gotten caught up with expecting our powerful, all-knowing, and patient God to be like a microwave. For those of us who are dealing with the same circumstances that have dragged on for weeks, months, and even years, our plea today is, “Say the Word, Jesus”.

     A familiar story in Matthew 8 talks about a Roman officer who had a servant who was severely sick. This story has always amazed me, and it is the main point of our thought today. Verses 5-8 says, “When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, ‘Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.’ Jesus said, ‘I will come and heal him.’ But the officer said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.” Wow! The Roman solider had crazy faith in this Jew, a prophet, the Messiah, this healer called Jesus.

    I too have been like the Roman solider pleading, “Say the Word, Jesus”. But let’s be honest, some of our requests or circumstances have not been resolved, healed, or answered. We cannot grow weary in our unresolved situations. Our job is to trust in our trustworthy God. Psalm 9:10 reminds us that, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.”

     So, what do you and I do when we ask, “Say the Word, Jesus” and nothing happens? We persist in asking. We continue to have faith. We do not stop trusting in God. You and I must come to a place of peace that if He chooses not to answer, chooses not to heal, chooses not to resolve the situation, Jesus knows what is best. Regardless of the fact if Jesus says yes or no, relinquishing control of our lives is the epitome of being sold out fully to Jesus!

“Say the Word, Jesus” Prayer: Most Gracious, Heavenly, Father, you are all-knowing. You truly see the end from the beginning. We only see a small portion of life, but you have the whole view in front of you. Lord, help us to trust you when we have no idea of what you are doing. Gird up our loins so we will not fall victim to discouragement. Direct our focus on you. Do not allow us to maneuver from our race. Increase our faith and patience while in the waiting. Allow the fruit of the Spirit to become a reality and not just words on a paper. At the end of it all, give us the strength to deny our selfish desires. Jesus, if what we are asking for is not kingdom and beneficial to your will, we don’t want it. Empower us Jesus to be who and what you have created for us to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.