Scripture: John 4:43-54

When One Promise Is Enough

In every life there are moments when we are at the end of our tether:
• A separation when we thought we had found our other half.
• A lay-off from work when we desperately needed the income.
• A bill in the mail too big to pay.

John 4:43-54 tells the story of a father who is in a mighty position, but helpless and desperate: He is a royal official and his sick son is dying.
The account of his approach to Jesus is famous and has been retold over and over again. “Sir, come down before my child dies,” begs the father who could expect no other help. “Go,” replies Jesus, “your son will live.”
As all Christians know, the sick son is saved this very minute just because of Jesus’ word without him even entering the official’s house. But this is not the only miracle. The calm trust of the royal official is a similarly big one.

The man took Jesus at his word and departed, notes the Bible. It does not mention any further inquiries by the desperate father, no requests for reassurance, no insistence that Jesus personally come with him to see and heal the sick son.

This form of trust  a belief that things will be good against all odds and that God can do what we cannot is called faith and is a miracle in itself.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” remarks Paul in Hebrews 11:1. And is there any bigger hope than saving one’s child, overcoming death, believing in the power of Jesus’ word?

Our daily struggles seem often much smaller, but they are nevertheless painful, discouraging, depressing and scary. Suffering cannot be compared. The sickness of one is as difficult and hard to go through as the loneliness or financial struggle of the other.

This story tells us, among other aspects, two things to do during the low points in our lives: to ask Jesus for help and trust in his willingness and ability to change the course of events, or to change ourselves so we can go through them in peace. His promise shall be enough.

The Bible story ends with the remark: So he and his whole household believed. The faith of this one official inspired his whole family. And this is another lesson to take away: Let the world see how Jesus works in your life; it may be the biggest miracle others ever see.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, life is filled with situations that seem too hard to go through. Help us to remember your promise to be there when we need you most and to trust the eternal and endless power of your Word. Amen.