An experienced captain steered a passenger ship from Liverpool, England, to New York. His whole family was on the boat with him. One night, when everyone was sleeping, a storm came unexpectedly. The ship tossed in the waves. The passengers woke up. Everyone was afraid. The captain’s eight-year-old daughter also woke up: “What’s going on?” She had tears in her eyes. Her mother explained that a storm had come and was sweeping the ship. “Is daddy on board?” asked the little girl. “Yes,” answered the mother. When the little girl heard this, she crawled into bed and fell fast asleep. The wind was still blowing, and the waves were tossing the boat, but her fear subsided because she knew her father was controlling the ship. She trusted him.
The centurion mentioned in the Gospel must have believed in Christ when he sent the Jewish elders to him with a request to come and heal his servant. Jesus was near the house when the centurion’s friends came out to meet him with the message: “Lord, do not be weary; for I am not worthy that you should come under my roof.” We, the children of God, are sure of God’s presence in every moment. As a captain, whatever befalls us, God controls and directs our lives.
The only condition from his side: We must believe him. Do we believe him? I can speak of you with admiration, as of the centurion: I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. If he sees it, he works miracles even today. We have enough of our own mistakes, shortcomings, problems, difficulties. We also know the needs and illnesses of those entrusted to us and other human beings. What will we say to Jesus under this Word of God? Do we trust you, Lord!? Whether there is an exclamation point or a question mark is up to us. Lord, we, too, realize our unworthiness and Your almighty love. Just say the word; it will heal our sick souls and the souls of those we pray for.
