Reflection on Chapter 1: What can you believe?
By Ayokunle Olagoke
Short bio: Ayokunle is a health communication researcher. She is currently a member of the health communication joint taskforce on COVID-19 for the state of Illinois. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Let’s welcome Ayo.
Chapter Summary: In the story of Jesus and the man who brought his son for healing, the son had some kind of spells. At times he would fall into water or fire. His father had his mind on what Jesus could do. He said, "If you can DO anything, have compassion on us, and help us" (Mark 9:22). That's where a lot of folks miss it. They've got their mind on "What can you do to help me?" But that's not the main problem at all. The main problem is: "What can you believe?" Jesus answered the man, "If thou can believe, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM THAT BELIEVES" (Mark 9:23).
Hezekiah was asked to put his house in order because he was going to die. When he heard this, he did some very significant things (Ish 38:1-3).
1. HE TURNED HIS FACE TOWARDS THE WALL AND PRAYED TO GOD: it is important that when we receive bad news, we turn our faces to God. Sometimes we weigh the opinion of google, friends, and family above God’s. The more we turn to these people, the more afraid we can get. When Rebekah noticed the children in her womb were fighting, she turned to God and God told her the reason was because there were 2 nations in her womb. There was no way google could have told her that. Only God knows the details of our lives and He wants to show us. It is important we are patient in our asking until we actively believe what He is showing us.
2. HE REMINDED GOD THAT HE HAS SERVED HIM IN TRUTH AND WITH A PERFECT HEART: God does not see as men sees. He sees the heart and not just the action. Men see the actions. He is interested in the state of our heart. I could step on your leg because I didn’t notice you had your leg out, and another person could step on it because they hate your shoe. The action (which is what we see) is that we both stepped on it. However, our hearts are different. God sees that heart. Having a perfect heart before God is more important than having perfect actions. If the heart is right, in no time, the actions will follow.
3. HEZEKIAH WEPT SORE: we do not have to pretend before God. He didn’t weep before the prophet, but he wept before God. It is important that we freely express our hearts before Him without feeling ashamed. You can tell him freely “I am afraid” “I am attracted to someone who isn’t my spouse and I don’t know what to do” “I am afraid of going for the test because of what the doctor might say”. Expose your heart to Him. Be vulnerable before God, your secrets are safe with Him.
4. GOD HEARD HIM: Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying, 5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years (ISAIAH 38:4,5 4). God sees our vulnerability if we hand it over to Him.
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus for making me know that all things are possible to me, if I believe. You have also reminded me that I can always turn to you. Then, you also want me to know that I can be vulnerable before you. On this issue [mention the issue] this is what I have been thinking [expose your heart to Him]. I believe all things are possible with you and for those who believe. Help me to believe you without doubting in my heart in Jesus’ name. Amen.