This Week: July 13-19
Hear and Do
In Matthew 8:5–13, a Roman centurion surprises Jesus—not with a show of strength, but with a confession of trust. He doesn’t ask Jesus to come in person. He doesn’t need the spectacle. He simply says: “Only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.”
"We are all dependent on others, and ultimately, we are dependent on God."
Jesus marvels at this faith. A man who lives by authority recognizes Jesus as the One with true power. In a world that celebrates independence, the centurion reminds us that dependence—on one another, and on God—is not a weakness, but a reflection of how we were created.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- Faith Is Found in Dependence – The centurion didn’t demand a visit. He trusted that Jesus could act from afar.
- We Are Made for Each Other – Like children who need care to grow, we are designed to rely on others throughout life.
- God’s Authority Is Reliable – Jesus meets our need not because of our worthiness, but because of His compassion and power.
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Speak the Word
Scripture Reference: Matthew 8:8 "Only speak the word, and my servant will be healed."
The centurion knew that Jesus didn’t need to be physically present to make a difference. He trusted the authority of Christ’s word.
Action Step: What area of your life needs healing or restoration? Name it in prayer today.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, I trust that even Your word alone is enough to change everything.
The centurion knew that Jesus didn’t need to be physically present to make a difference. He trusted the authority of Christ’s word.
Action Step: What area of your life needs healing or restoration? Name it in prayer today.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, I trust that even Your word alone is enough to change everything.
Day 2: Living by Faith, Not Sight
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
The centurion believed without needing to see. Can we trust God even when we can’t predict the outcome?
Action Step: Write down something you’re worried about. Next to it, write: “I walk by faith.”
Prayer Prompt: Lord, give me faith when I can't see the way forward.
The centurion believed without needing to see. Can we trust God even when we can’t predict the outcome?
Action Step: Write down something you’re worried about. Next to it, write: “I walk by faith.”
Prayer Prompt: Lord, give me faith when I can't see the way forward.
Day 3: The Gift of Community
Scripture Reference: Romans 12:5 "So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Human beings are wired for community. Just as children rely on parents, we all rely on one another.
Action Step: Thank someone today who has supported you—recently or in the past.
Prayer Prompt: God, thank You for the people in my life who remind me I’m not alone.
Human beings are wired for community. Just as children rely on parents, we all rely on one another.
Action Step: Thank someone today who has supported you—recently or in the past.
Prayer Prompt: God, thank You for the people in my life who remind me I’m not alone.
Day 4: Consequential Strangers
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."
Not every blessing comes from someone we know well. God often uses strangers to carry His grace.
Action Step: Show kindness to someone today you might not normally speak to—a cashier, server, or neighbor.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, open my eyes to the unnoticed people who make my life better.
Not every blessing comes from someone we know well. God often uses strangers to carry His grace.
Action Step: Show kindness to someone today you might not normally speak to—a cashier, server, or neighbor.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, open my eyes to the unnoticed people who make my life better.
Day 5: Under Authority
Scripture Reference: James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God."
Like the centurion, we live best when we recognize God’s authority over our lives.
Action Step: Reflect on one area where you're trying to stay in control. Surrender it to God today.
Prayer Prompt: Father, I place my trust in Your authority. Lead me with wisdom and grace.
Like the centurion, we live best when we recognize God’s authority over our lives.
Action Step: Reflect on one area where you're trying to stay in control. Surrender it to God today.
Prayer Prompt: Father, I place my trust in Your authority. Lead me with wisdom and grace.
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