Author: Nathaniel Colt

Read about It

Read: Matthew 19:16–26

A wealthy young man came to Jesus. He followed every law and every rule. He did everything that he could to live a perfect life. But Jesus saw what was really important to him. When Jesus told the young man to sell what he owned, give the money to the poor,  and follow Him, the young man didn’t. He just couldn’t let go of his stuff. Following Jesus seemed impossible for him. He didn’t know that what seems impossible to us is possible for God.

Do you have a situation that you think is impossible? Take a minute and think about how you are trying to solve the impossible problem. Are you trying to fix it yourself, or are you going to Jesus? We often forget to go to Jesus when we need a miracle. We feel hopeless. We see no way that something can happen. But having faith sometimes means letting go of what you can see only with your eyes. Miracles can happen when we fully turn over our impossible situations to Jesus who can do the impossible. When we believe in the control and power of Jesus, the impossible happens!

Read about It

Read: Matthew 8:10–13

When Jesus came to live on earth, many believed He was the Messiah for the people of Israel. Some of them thought that meant He came to set them free from Roman rule. So, when the Roman officer approached Jesus in faith, that was a big deal. Some people may have thought that Romans and those working for them couldn’t experience Jesus’ love and power. Yet, Jesus made it very clear that even people like the Roman officer would also believe in Jesus’ authority and miracles. The Roman officer had great faith! The faith of the Roman officer brought God’s power into his household—his servant was healed! When Jesus did the impossible, it was not just for the Jewish people. Jesus came to save anyone who believes He has the power to do so. This promise includes anyone who believes!

People in your family and church have needs. They all may know Jesus can provide for them. But what about people outside of your church? Will God answer their prayers too? The Roman officer wasn’t Jewish like the other people in the story. For some, he was even considered to be an enemy. However, he showed faith. Jesus said the officer’s faith was not like any He had seen in all of Israel. The Roman officer’s belief impressed Jesus.

So, what can you do to be more like that? First, you should live in a way that shows you have faith in the power and authority of God. Second, you need to share that faith with others so they can believe too. When we do this, God transforms hearts and brings them into His family. Others see these miracles, and more people believe in Jesus!

Read about It

Read: Matthew 8:5–9

The Roman officer had incredible faith that impressed Jesus. He didn’t just believe Jesus could heal his young servant; he knew that Jesus could heal him with just a word! Why did the Roman officer have this impressive faith? He understood authority, and seemed to know Jesus had it. Authority is having the ability or influence to make things happen. As a Roman officer, he knew that all he had to do was say a word, and the men under him had to obey what he said. One word meant that it was as good as done. The Roman officer recognized the power and authority that Jesus had. That authority far surpassed his own. Because of this faith, Jesus healed his servant in an instant.

If you have something that breaks, you can often go to someone who can fix it. You go to a teacher or parent when you need help with a math problem. If you are in a difficult situation, you go to someone you can trust. All these people you turn to have a measure of authority. They can fix things. They know more than you, and they are trusted. Even more than these people, Jesus is more powerful, more trustworthy, and has more knowledge. He has all authority in heaven and on earth. Even the wind and waves obey Him! So, there is incredible power when you pray in His name because He has authority. When we ask anything in His name, even when it seems impossible, we ask confidently. Why? Because like the Roman officer, we know Jesus has the authority to heal, restore, and save..

Read about It

Read: Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:16 (Want to read the entire Bible story? It’s in Mark 10:46–52.)

Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to talk  to some people than others? Often, we find it easier to ask for big things from our family. But many of us would never even consider making the same request of a stranger. We can pray to God with boldness and confidence. We can ask Him to do big things because we know Him. The Bible says that God is close to those who follow Him. In our Bible story, Bartimaeus could ask boldly for healing because he knew that Jesus was near.

Bartimaeus was blind and he had never seen Jesus, but he had heard stories about Him. You also haven’t seen Jesus, but you may have heard stories about His miracles. You know that Jesus can heal. Jesus can always be reached when we pray. He is always listening and waiting for you to pray bold prayers. The Bible says that He is at the right hand of the Father—pleading for you! You can pray boldly with faith by praying confidently. Jesus is ready for you. You don’t have to be afraid to ask. Jesus loves for us to pray bold prayers!

Read about It

Read: Matthew 7:7–11

God has many wonderful characteristics. He can be your Best Friend. He is the Healer. He is the Comforter. He is also the best Father. What does a good father do? Good fathers do many things, and one thing that brings them joy is giving their children what they ask for. Good fathers delight in giving good gifts! They love to see the joy on their children’s faces when they receive a good gift. Good fathers love providing wonderful things for their children. Since God the Father is the very best Father of all, it brings Him great joy to give generously to His children when they ask.

God is the very definition of a good Father! He never lies, He never tricks, and He is always able to provide when you ask. No matter how much your earthly father has given to you, your Heavenly Father generously gives abundantly more! God is faithful to provide what we need. All we have to do is ask boldly. Don’t stop asking! The nature of God is to love you and give you what you need. You may not get what you ask for right away. Since God is our good Father, He knows the right time and what is best. The important thing is to never stop asking. Trust in Him and trust that He will do what is best for you.

Read about It

Read: Mark 10:48–52 (Want to read the entire Bible story? It’s in Mark 10:46–52.)

Because Bartimaeus kept calling out and asking Jesus to answer him, the moment came that he got to talk with Jesus. Jesus was ready to hear what Bartimaeus needed, and He is also listening for when we ask for what we need. Bartimaeus didn’t waste this opportunity. He threw off his coat and asked Jesus for what he wanted. He wanted to see! Instantly, Jesus healed him, Jesus told him, “Your faith has healed you.” Bartimaeus was healed and began to follow Jesus right away.

Your persistent, bold prayers capture Jesus’ attention. Let’s say you visit the principal of your school. You know that she has the power to do a lot of things. What if you got there and didn’t say anything? You wouldn’t get what you wanted. The principal has the power to answer many requests, but the principal only answers when someone asks. This is a lot like Jesus. He has all the power in the universe and can do all things. But He wants us to ask Him when we have needs. When you keep asking, this shows your trust in Him to do what He has promised. It’s not just that Jesus has the power to answer your prayer; it’s also the faith in asking that helps to bring the miracle!

Read about It

Read: Mark 10:46–48

Bartimaeus was desperate. He was blind and wanted to be able to see. When he heard that Jesus was near, he began to cry out to Jesus. Others told him to be silent; but, Bartimaeus was persistent. He kept asking and asking. He was loud! Bartimaeus had likely been begging others for money and food for a long time. Now, he had a chance to beg for his healing. Jesus was there! Bartimaeus knew that Jesus could help him, so he would not stop until he got Jesus’ attention.

Have you ever wanted something so much that you didn’t stop asking for it? For example, have you ever asked your parents over and over for candy or a new toy? You might want it so much that you can’t stop asking. Sometimes, your parents might give it to you, and other times, they don’t because they know what is best for you.

You can continue to ask God for what you need, too. Do you need healing? Do you need a miracle? Do you need an answer that only God can give? Then keep boldly asking! Keep praying bold prayers! When you don’t give up, you can be sure that God will provide exactly what you need. God knows what is best for you, and you can trust that He hears your prayers, and an answer is on its way.

Read about It

Read: 1 Peter 4:12–16

When have you been surprised by something really amazing? Now, think about a time you were surprised by something that maybe wasn’t so good, like stubbing your toe, a surprise test, or having a special trip canceled unexpectedly. Sometimes, it can be really fun to be surprised, and at other times, being surprised can be pretty bad.

In today’s verses, Peter told Christians not to be surprised when they go through challenges, or trials. Peter knew this very well! As one of Jesus’ closest followers during His time on earth, some people were very mean to Peter. So, he wanted other Christians to be ready if that happened to them. Some people think that being a follower of Jesus is always easy. It’s not! But even when we have trials, we can be glad. Those times of suffering bring us closer to Jesus, the One who suffered on the Cross for us. So, if people are mean to you for believing in Jesus, don’t be surprised. Instead, be prepared and praise God anyway.