As Confident as Abbott and Costello

If confidence had a face it would bear the likeness of Bud Abbott or Lou Costello. Legend has it the famed comedy team once took out a $100,000 insurance policy with Lloyds of London that guaranteed payment if any of their audience should die of laughter. Now that’s confidence! When it comes to being sure of God’s Word, some people remind me of Abbott and Costello. They are quick to place all bets on God; certain that what he says will come true. Case in point, take the Roman Centurion Jesus encountered along a dusty road in Capernaum:

When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and racked with pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” Then the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed! I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this or that,’ they do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel.  Matthew 8:5-10 NLT

What confidence! “Just say the word Jesus!”

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve had to ask: “Do I have the faith of the centurion? Do I trust God enough to utter the phrase, 'Just say the word'?"

Just say, “I will provide,” and I will believe it! Just say, “Love,” and I will show it! Just say, “Give,” and I will do it! Just say, “Go,” and I will move! Just say, “Peace,” and I will relax. Just say the word God, and I will trust it.

God needs no insurance policy standing behind his Word. Rest assured that if God has said it we can be as confident as Abbott and Costello.

FOCAL POINT: Today, take some time to ask God for the heart of the Centurion. Then, as you open up your heart to God, open up your Bible to James 1. Read the chapter, but before you begin tell God you are ready for him to: “Just say the word.”