Be A Man of Faith

from June 2022

June Joy

Gò0dNews for Men

Be A Man of Faith

by Chad Hess

In Matthew’s Gospel, beginning in Chapter 8 Verse 5, we are told the story of the Roman Centurion and his servant. The Roman officer approaches Jesus begging Him and telling Him that his servant is ill and lying paralyzed at the Centurion’s home. Jesus responds, “I will come and heal him.” The Centurion replies with words that are repeated every day by Christians around the world: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant will be healed.” This is known as the Centurion’s prayer and is a wonderful example of simple faith. The Centurion was a man of power and authority in the Roman government, commanding 100 soldiers. He understood well the power of command, and he recognized the power and authority of Jesus. He had faith that Jesus could heal the servant simply by saying the word. In Verse 13, Jesus rewards the man’s faith by saying, “Go, let it be done for you as you have believed.”

As a man, father, brother, or friend, do you have faith in Jesus’ power and authority? Do you trust that all you have to do is ask for His will to be done, and then have faith that it will be done? In our roles as men in today’s society, we are inundated with trails and difficulties. Our faith can be put to the test on a daily basis. As men, we too are given power and authority, but like the Centurion, we must submit to the authority of Jesus. How often do we make decisions without submitting them to Jesus’ will?

How much simpler would it be to be like the Centurion and pray his prayer? Lord, this is what I am facing: illness, marital difficulties, problems at work or with the kids, issues with an elderly parent (fill in your own blank). I am not worthy, but only say the word and my soul will be healed. To believe

this, truly believe this, would change everything. Keeping in mind that God’s will be done, not the fulfillment of all our wishes and desires, is a powerful thing.

Knowing, really knowing, that Jesus has the authority in heaven and on earth to do His will (that is what faith is, by the way) is a wondrous and liberating thing for all believers. When the trials and difficulties come, and they will, be like the Centurion—be a man of faith.

About The Author Chad Hess is a husband, father and Army Veteran. He is a parishioner at Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Rome, where he is involved in lay ministries.