Matthew 8:8-10
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
Two things strike me immediately as I read through this section of Matthew about Jesus healing the Centurion’s servant. First, the great humilty the Centurion displays when he speaks with Jesus, and second, the complete faith he has in Jesus doing what he says he will do.
There are many ways I approach the throne when I am speaking my prayer requests, but I am afraid all to often it is not with humility and the realization that I already have far more than I deserve from my loving Heavenly Father. I must remember that I am nothing, that I deserve nothing, yet my father loves me and wants to give me all the things I ask. Instead of approaching him with my entitlement attitude, I have to remember what it has cost him just to hear my prayers.
And then, after I have shared my list of entitled requests, I often doubt that he will fulfill my needs. What a spoiled brat of a child am I?! I assume I deserve things, but then assume that God will not give me what I desire. The Centurion tells Jesus he doesn’t need to be with him, but to only speak the words and he will know it is done. He could have requested that Jesus return to his home to make things better (and I myself often complain that I can’t see Jesus) but this man knows without fail that if Jesus says he will do something, it is as good as done. This speaks volumes of both the character of the man and Jesus.
Do approach God with humility and great faith, or do I approach him as a bratty child who feels entitled to the word but lack solid faith? I am afraid all too often it is the latter.
Father, forgive me for my attitudes and my lack of faith. I am so grateful for all I have been given and truly lack for nothing. Align my thoughts and desires with yours, and may I seek only those things you wish to give me, and when I ask, please grant me the faith to see them come.
