Living Out Justiceਨਮੂਨਾ

Having faith in someone else’s ability

‘His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”’ (John 2:5, NIV)

Reflect:

Have you ever had someone believe in you before you fully believed in yourself? Encouragement from others can propel us into confidence and action.

Mary believed in Jesus before he was even born. She knew he was the Son of God and she believed in his ability even before he had revealed it. Demonstrating her prophetic faith in his yet-unseen power, she instructed the servants: ‘Do whatever he tells you.’

This passage reminds us that faith in someone else’s ability can be more than simple encouragement. It can be an act of belief that helps them to become who God has created them to be.

The servants obeyed without knowing what would happen. Through their trust, they witnessed the miraculous: water became wine – at least 120 gallons of it! – and faith turned into action. Just as Mary and the servants stepped forward in faith, we, too, can place trust in others, encouraging them to step into their God-given calling.

Daily Action:

Think about a person in your life who sees the potential in you and encourages you to further develop your capacity. How does this experience impact and inform your life and faith perspective? You may want to pause and thank the Lord for his presence with you during this journey. You may want to pray for such a relationship to come about in your life.

Think about people of influence in your community – executive boards, leadership teams, local government or committees – and consider whether there are any gaps in these groups. Who is not being represented? Are there any groups who do not have a seat at the table?

Consider the needs of your community – your church, your workplace, your friendships – that are not currently being met. Observe which people are actively seeking and serving. Pay close attention to those who are overlooked or systemically undervalued.

Ask the Lord to:

• send his workers for the plentiful harvest
• open your eyes to see who in your community is called to fulfil his purpose and to build the body of Christ
• help you dare to believe on others’ behalf, even if they are reluctant at first or lack certain skills.

Prayer:

Help me, Lord, to be an encourager, someone who can see the potential in others and have faith in their ability. May I speak words of encouragement that awaken faith and boldly affirm.

Inhale: Lord, open my eyes to potential.

Exhale: May my faith in their ability reflect your love.