“For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me” (Luke 7:8). of Monday September 18, 2023

The centurion is a soldier, a defender of Roman power over the Jews. He’s used to both obedience and command. He is used to knowing that he’s in control.

It can be easy to trust in God when our own lives seem to be under our control. When you’re making visible improvements, especially moral improvements, God’s hand seems obvious in your life. But when you’re out of control, when you’re not becoming better, despite hopeful prayer and desperate effort, that’s often when it’s hardest to trust in God’s love. And yet, that’s when trust is most necessary.

The centurion’s faith is so striking because he doesn’t need to see results. He doesn’t even need to see Jesus. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.