Teenside Daily Devotional

5/7/20
Read Matthew 9:18-26.

Here we have two incredible stories of faith. The first is no mere man. He is described as a “ruler”, a man with power and authority, similar to the centurion from before. Thus, coming to Jesus is a huge act of humility. His daughter is not sick, she is dead. Most people have believed up to this point that Jesus has the ability to heal someone that is still alive, but we have yet to see someone have faith that Jesus can overcome death. Yet, this man is completely correct! While others laugh, Jesus does the impossible and brings the man’s daughter back to life.
The second story is that of a woman. She has suffered for twelve years and desires for her suffering to end. She goes to the one person that she believes can make her well. She doesn’t even stop him and ask, she just acts. She has full faith that even touching his garment is enough to heal her, and she is right!

If Jesus’ garment brought that kind of immediate healing, think about how much more we have access to with his Spirit inside of us! All we need to do is have faith that he can heal, and he will heal. While we are not guaranteed physical healing from this power, one of the many promises that we do have is that God will always provide spiritual healing. If you are hurting, just believe that Jesus can help because he can!

Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*

1. In both of these accounts, the people have faith that Jesus can do something that’s never been done before. This is such a huge act of faith. Because of our human nature, it’s hard to believe in something we have not yet seen. What is something you need to believe Jesus for, even though you haven’t seen it yet in your life? What act of God’s faithfulness in your life can you point to as a basis for this faith?

2. Notice the simultaneous humility and confidence it takes to approach Jesus in this crowd. The woman (who was lowly– she was considered unclean and was poor) and the ruler (who was a man of status and power), both approach Jesus in desperation. It is this desperation for Jesus’s healing that allows them to humble themselves in front of this crowd and confidently move toward their only hope. Are you this desperate for Jesus? You may not have a situation like the ones in this story– but this is about a heart condition. Do you cling to Jesus, knowing He is the only one that can give you life?

3. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. Then read Hebrews 4:16 again. What does this mean to you? How can you apply it to your life? 

Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Thank God for the confidence we have in Him to approach the throne. Pray for a desperation for God– one that does not change based on your circumstances, but is constant because He is your only hope. Pray that God would give you the faith to believe in things you have not yet seen.

Song: Desert Soul- Rend Collective


Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w