I’m Helpless, but Not Hopeless

Hey friends, have you been watching The Chosen? If not, I 10/10 recommend. I was watching a clip where Gaius, a Roman soldier, says, “I’m helpless” to Matthew. See, Gaius’ son is in dire straights and Gaius feels helpless to help him. As Gaius faces Jesus, he recognizes Jesus as his Lord. Watching Gaius in this scene, I am struck by several key features of Gaius’ faith:

1. Gaius doesn’t waver. He has absolute faith that God can heal his son. He doesn’t question who Jesus is or wonder if Jesus can heal his son. Gaius doesn’t even ask Jesus to go to his son; Gaius has total faith in the breadth and depth of God’s reach.

2. Gaius knows Jesus as his lord. Even Jesus’ disciples waver, but Gaius—a gentile—demonstrates complete faith.

3. Gaius kneels and calls himself unworthy. This act of humility and humble repose shows the deep love and honor Gaius has for Jesus, God made man.

Now, this scene in the television show is dramatized, but The Bible tells the similar story of a Roman Centurion in Luke 7:1-20 and John 4:46=54. In Luke 7:7-8, the Centurion says,

“Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8"

Like Gaius, I am also helpless and sometimes feel undeserving. I am helpless to heal myself. I am helpless to strengthen myself. I am helpless to forgive my own sin. I am also a child of God. Faith in Jesus has made me whole, so while I am helpless in all of these things, it is the love of Jesus that heals, that strengthens, and most importantly that forgives all of my sins.

At our last spring tea, one of the most profound things our speaker, Lisa Hohn Larson, said was she was able to overcome, “Because of Him!” Faith is all we need to be receivers of hope.

Friends, if you missed the tea, no worries; we will be back next year. Julie and I haven’t posted lately because we are recovering from a somewhat hectic season in our professional, personal, and spiritual lives. We ask for prayers of rejuvenation, and we are ramping up to continue the spreading the good word of Jesus in a new season beginning in the fall. We continue to listen for God’s direction in our lives and ministry, as “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). We’re not finished yet.

Until fall, we wish you a summer filled with blessings.

Yours in Christ,

Michelle

Lisa, sharing her story!