Sometimes it is the people who we’ve ‘written off’ our ‘most likely to succeed with God’ list who end up surprising us with energetic and exemplary demonstrations of faith. Time and time again Jesus encounters unexpected ‘living by faith’ incidents. In Luke 7 it is a Roman Centurion who has “greater faith than ever seen in all of Israel” . 

A Gentile with faith – surprise!

A Centurion with such concern and compassion for his servant – surprise!

A commendation by Jesus of such faith – surprise! 

We know of Jesus being amazed only twice: once here in Luke 7:9, for faith, and once in Mark 6:6 where his hometown family, friends, and neighbours display a lack of faith. 

So if Jesus made a visit to our town, our church, our home – what would amaze him?  Let’s hope it would be our faith! I have always loved Paul’s introduction to his letter to the Romans. He writes in Romans 1:8 “First, I thank God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” 

So let’s do it people! Let’s LIVE BY FAITH.  (have you ever read Hebrews chapter 11?)

 What builds your faith? What tests your faith? I’d love to hear from you.