Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1,3 ESV

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 ESV

Faith can be defined as complete trust and confidence in God that endures even in the presence of doubt, trusting even without proof. I have previously written that my grandmother was my spiritual guide. My grandparents had two daughters, Shirley (my mom) and Mildred. My grandmother wrote her autobiography when she was in her 80’s to share with family. It is truly a treasure! This is one of her stories.

A Story of Victorious Faith

Shirley and Mildred got all the childhood diseases, but in Mildred’s case each was followed by pneumonia. The doctor told me that there was a danger of her throat closing from high fever and to watch her closely.

            This particular night I woke to hear Mildred gasping for breath and called for Ralph but could not wake him. He was exhausted from overwork and worry. We had no telephone as we could not afford it. What could I do? I looked at Mildred and her face was almost black. I dropped to my knees beside the bed and started praying for God to heal her and let us keep her. I think this was probably the most sincere prayer I ever uttered. Finally, I heard Mildred give a little cough and  then a long sigh and she turned over and started breathing and sleeping normally. Thank You God! God still can and does work miracles.

I am currently reading in Matthew 8 and 9 about all of the miracles and healings that Jesus did. It’s what made me think of my grandmother’s story. When he [Jesus] saw the crowds he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36

In several of the stories in Matthew, Jesus comments on the faith of those who came to him for healing. A Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant. Jesus offered to go to his home. But the centurion had faith that Jesus did not even need to come to his home (he felt unworthy), but that Jesus just had to speak the words, and his servant would be healed. And he was! Victorious faith.

The woman with an issue of bleeding had faith that she had only to touch the edge of His garment, and she would be healed. And she was! Jesus said to her, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” Victorious faith.

Two blind men called out to Jesus to heal them. They followed Him into a home still asking for their sight. Jesus asked if they believed. They said yes. “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Victorious faith.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we strengthen our faith.

Blessings and victorious faith that overcomes the world!