Bible Chapter: Matthew 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Faith.  That’s the word that jumps out as I read Matthew 8.  It tells the stories of faith.  There is nothing that is too hard for God.
    Leprosy was common in Jesus’ day.  It was basically a death sentence. Lepers were required to stay away from everyone else.  Jesus never shied away from anyone with a need.  He reached out to the outcasts.  He also healed them or did whatever was needed. The key is that when they left, they were changed.  This leper was healed.
    Jesus visited Peter’s house and healed many.  Evil forces were no match for the power of Jesus.  He drove them all out.
    Reading a chapter like this is both encouraging and challenging.  It is encouraging to know that nothing is too hard for God. It is challenging to know that I must grow in my walk with the Lord to trust Him for every aspect of life.  Faith in God is required to live a victorious life.  In Jesus we are more than conquerors, but that takes daily dying to self.  Jesus chided the disciples in verse 26 when He said, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  Fear comes when we know we don’t have control.  But the truth is that, even when we think we are in charge, we aren’t.  We need to learn to fully trust Jesus in all situations.
    There is an important balance about faith.  It is not a magical formula to get me what I want.  It is my learning to trust God for anything and everything so that HE gets all the glory for the results.  The things I can’t fully understand will be sorted out in heaven.  In the mean time I know I can fully trust God.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Keep this front and center in my life: I am totally reliant on God for every issue in life.  He can step in and provide, heal, and change whatever is needed.  This world is only temporary.  It is preparation for eternity with the Lord.  I need to be reminded of what Paul wrote.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 NKJV
    Faith is like a muscle that grows the more it is exercised.

3.  How can I help someone?
    My faith must not be limited to only my needs and desires.  There are others who don’t have faith who have needs.  I must pray for them and let that be part of how God draws them in to Himself.