Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
They anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. (Mark 6:13)
This verse makes it sound as if the apostles had nothing but success in their ministry, that every person they prayed with was healed. But we know that isn’t the case. All we have to do is remember how they couldn’t cast out a demon from a young man while Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:14-29).
Isn’t that great news? They’re just like us, limited human beings whose prayers aren’t always answered and who don’t always get it right. We may think that we will never be able to do what they did, but even they didn’t do it all the time! And it’s not just about performing miracles. Peter denied even knowing Jesus, and Thomas doubted that he had risen from the dead. That’s so very encouraging for us.
The apostles’ successes and mistakes show that they are no different from us. Sometimes they prayed for someone to be healed, and nothing happened. Like them, we can pray for someone for healing and not detect any change at all—not even over a period of time. Sometimes, they got into selfish arguments with each other. And like them, we may be having a hard time forgiving someone who has hurt us. That’s okay, because even Jesus’ hand-selected apostles had the same struggles.
Still, God wants us to keep praying for healings and trying to forgive. Remember how Paul asked Jesus three times to remove a spiritual thorn, but Jesus told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whatever our situation, Jesus will give us the grace to keep following him. And often without our knowing how, we’ll find his grace at work in other areas of our lives, comforting and empowering us.
So keep up the good work! Try, persist, and learn from your mistakes. Believe that you have been “chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things” (Ephesians 1:11). You will face trials and temptations, but if you just focus on what comes next, one step at a time, you’ll see progress. This is what Peter, John, and all the rest did—and look what happened to them!
“Jesus, thank you for the apostles’ example of faith. Give me your grace, that I may live for you!”
Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24
Psalm 48:2-4, 9-11
Daily Marriage Tip for February 5, 2015:
In marriage, arguments are seldom black and white, “I’m right and you’re wrong.” Look for the golden mean when you’re on opposite sides.