“The woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?’ They went out of the town and were coming to him… Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world…’
“At Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.’ The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ And he himself believed, and all his household.” John 4:28-30,39-42,46b-53
Belief began by hearing: for the woman, by direct conversation; for the official, through stories told. Truth awakens faith, and acting in faith begets more faith. The woman’s testimony drew Samaritans to come investigate first hand, and another testimony prompted the official to seek out Jesus the Healer. He believed He had power, then believed His promise. How are any to believe without hearing? (Romans 10:9-14)
We all have a part in our own faith walk, and in helping to build the faith of those around us. For ourselves, we need exposure to God’s voice in order to hear the truth that compels belief. His word is full of accounts of His work in history, kingdoms, and individual lives. It displays His radiance, holiness, and wisdom. What investment are we making to hear Him through the Bible, believe, and see His works and worth revealed? Do we take time to come to Him and stay, lingering until He is finished with us? How is this developing our faith so we continue to add more? (Genesis 17:22; 18:33; 2 Peter 1:5)
And what part are we playing in telling others about Jesus, in proclaiming how He has met us, and the difference a relationship with Him has made in our worldview, security, and sense of purpose? What questions can we ask that compel investigation, discovery, and belief? Whom will we go and tell so they might know for themselves the thrill of intimacy with Jesus and living expectantly day by day?
Lord, may I consistently believe what You speak, see what You do, and believe You more deeply. Develop in me greater love and faith that bring glory, and others, to You.
As the rain and snow 