But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14
In Mathew, Mark and Luke we see the amazing story of a woman who had “specific faith.” She needed healing because she had been sick for twelve years and not a single doctor could help her find the cure, which had taken her to bankruptcy. She heard Jesus of Nazareth would be passing through her town and His reputation as a “Healer” preceded Him, so her faith rose up and became strong. And, as faith often does, it speaks. She said, “If I can just touch the hem of His garment I will be healed.”
In an act of faith she “pressed through the crowd,” touched His garment and was instantly healed. Jesus stopped and told a disciple that He felt virtue, or power, leave Him from of her touch and He stopped to speak to her to get her story. He then said, “Woman, your faith has made you whole.” The word “whole” is the word “SOZO,” and means “to be saved, healed, delivered, preserved, protected, made prosperous, made whole.” That day she got way more than she came for. Remember, she had spent “all she had” on doctor bills trying to get better. She believed “for” her healing and received it all!
In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found in Daniel chapter three, we see the perfect picture of “faith and trust” coming together. These three young Hebrew men refused to bow down to the king’s idol, thus the sentence of “death by fiery furnace” was handed down.
They had specific faith that they would be delivered from the blazing furnace, but also trusted in their God enough to say, that even if they weren’t delivered, they still wouldn’t bow down. They were indeed delivered from that blazing furnace, and when the king looked in the furnace from a distance, he said to those around him, “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking amid the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Jesus Himself showed up on their behalf!
Maybe today you know exactly what you are to have specific faith for like that woman. If so, let me encourage you today to fan that flame of faith and “build yourself up in your most holy faith.”
You may also find yourself in a place where you are just having to simply trust God for things that you don’t specifically know. For example, you may be asking God to bring that soul mate into your life. That person who is specifically designed for you, but you may not have a clue who that is. Then trust! Trust that if you remain pliable like putty in His hands, which is to “delight yourself in the Lord,” that He will give you the desires of your heart.
One thing I know for sure. When you let faith and trust walk hand in hand in your life, Jesus will always show up on your behalf!