“Jesus said to the man [who had a withered hand], ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out and his hand was restored” (Mark 3:5).
In the dramatic Gospel account, the seemingly miniscule request made by Jesus brings about an entirely new life direction. Jesus similarly asks us to put forth a small effort, to do something little for Him. He merely asks us to open our minds and hearts to Him, to give Him permission to act in our lives. He invites us to reach for Him wherever we are.
Our trusting response to Jesus is faith. It is God’s own gift – grace – that empowers us to extend ourselves to Him. Properly understood, faith is neither some protective covering that likens a supernatural insurance policy nor can it ever be reduced to a list of doctrinal formulations that are neatly codified. Faith is a gift from God that is meant above all to be practiced. Jesus expects us to live our faith and to do so daily.
As God’s gift to us, faith is designed to be seen in the flurry of doing our regular routines and completing daily duties. Indeed, faith is God’s gift to fulfill the regular routines and accomplish the daily duties in way that glorify Him and help those whom we encounter.
Although the English language does not contain the word faith-ing, intentional disciples allow their desire for God to be displayed in their daily living. For them, faith more and more becomes the very lens through which they live, a continuous and trustworthy influence that further refines them and leads them a more fulfilling, meaningful and joyful existence.
Time and again, Jesus emphasizes the living character of having faith in God. “’This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’” (John 13:35).
- How is our faith displayed in our regular routines and daily duties?
- How does our faith influence the decisions we make?
- What small effort is Jesus asking of us today?
- Have I asked Jesus to let me stretch out my hand to Him?
