In reading Matthew this week, I was struck how faith often requires action.
And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
The men of Gennesaret must have had faith in Jesus because they took action to bring him the diseased. Then the diseased people also took action by working to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment (an act of faith), which resulted in their healing.
We know that God provides our faith so we cannot boast. And the Holy Spirit stirs us to action. In so many cases in scripture, such as here, Jesus requires both faith and action from believers.
How do I think this applies to daily life? I think that we must do everything in faith. If I am in a defense situation, I should look to God as our salvation, but also take action to defend those I love. If I have a health scare, I need to know that God is in control, but I also should seek the best medical attention. My faith should not only be an inward item, but also outward action.
