Lent 2022 • Week Two Jesus Affirms What Is Good

Thursday, March 10th, 2022

“[Jesus] was amazed at [the centurion] and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” —Luke 7:9 (NIV)

Bible Reading: Luke 7:1-10

“When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 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.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.”

Challenge • Things to Ponder

*Think back on the past week*

1. Where is there evidence of faith in Jesus in your life?

Indeed, I experienced the presence of God this past week while performing my job duties, I found myself in a situation that often leads to stress for many reasons but this time I felt calmness and clarity. These feelings continued to be present within my being a few days later when I was asked about said situation. My normal and usual reaction leads me to doubt myself and I start looking for what I did wrong, because I must have been wrong. Not this time, I patiently listened and agreed that I was tense throughout the event but felt I did the best I could at the time. I also see now that I had other choices at the time that could have implemented. The other thing that I almost always do is apologize, broadly covering things that I could not possibly be guilty of, this incident I did not have that “knee-jerk” reaction, I took time to reflect and sought the advice of a mentor and friend. No apologies were needed or necessary, simply move forward knowing that in the future I should to access all available data to be more fully informed before making decisions. I felt real growth and courage growing inside me, in very real ways, “God’s Not Done with me yet.”

2. Where did you try to figure things out on your own?

Honestly, I did not spend much time initially on my own figuring thinking things out. I processed it while at work but did not overly think about it after work. I practice a “shut-down” work mindset when I leave work. It has proven to be most helpful and healthy. I did speak with two individuals that are important in my life. I value their opinions and they both are faith followers of Jesus. None of us are perfect and as Jesus extends grace freely to us, we should extend it to others and definitely to ourselves freely and often.

“God’s mercy and grace give me hope – for myself, and for our world.” -Billy Graham

Challenge • Prompt

Choose a situation or a relationship that is challenging you right now, and ask Jesus to do what only He can do in and through you. Then watch Him work miracles for His glory and your good.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog post today. It is my pray that you see, feel and find God. Blessings to you, as you have blessed me.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

Bible Verses For Further Study

1 Samuel 16:7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Samuel%2016:7&version=NIV

Matthew 8:5-13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%208:5-13&version=NIV

Hebrews 12:2 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:2&version=NIV

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/