ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH
“And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.” Matthew 9:27-29
Like so many similar verses, this one places great responsibility where it belongs: squarely on the shoulders of the child of God. “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” This was a personal and very relevant question because it dealt with the matter of their individual faith. There are many things that we need for God to do, but are we actually trusting Him with situations? Often we fail to pray about the circumstances and ask God to work according to His will. Then, when we remember to pray, it may be that we find ourselves saying the right words with little or no expectancy of an answer from the Lord.
These two blind men followed Jesus because they were convinced He was the answer to their need. Interestingly enough, these men had never seen a miracle, yet they believed. They had, undoubtedly, heard of the great works of the Lord. They asked Him to have mercy on them. Their persistence caused them to follow Jesus into a house. This kind of importunity in faith is something that God is looking for.
Did they believe? This is a pertinent question because it addresses the simple fact that praying alone is not all that God is interested in. God is interested in the faith of the one that is praying. It is possible to pray and not believe. Lost people pray. The Bible does not say that all things are possible to those who pray, but to those who by faith believe. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23). The Scripture records, “They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes.” Their faith was rewarded with Jesus’ powerful touch.
God is pleased when we trust Him. Salvation comes to those who, by faith, receive Christ as their Savior. Answers to prayer come to those who believe. Jesus responded to their request, saying, “According to your faith be it unto you.” The Lord is looking for those who are ready to believe His Word and trust Him. He will hear and answer according to your faith.