God sometimes answers our prayers in marvelous ways, but He does not want us to become preoccupied with the miraculous. That's why Jesus gently rebuked the nobleman who begged Him to come and heal his son (John 4:48). But in response to the father's repeated appeal He said, "Go your way, your son lives" (v.50). The father came to "believe" on the basis of Jesus' word alone. The reality of his faith is seen in the fact that he obeyed Christ's simple command and "he went his way."

Upon returning home, the nobleman discovered that his son had been healed "at the seventh hour" on the previous day. From his servants he learned exactly what had taken place and when. His son was made well at the same instant that Jesus said, "Your son lives" (vv.50-53).

At times we are amazed by God's perfect timing and miraculous intervention when He answers our prayers. We must be careful, though, not to become so preoccupied with the miracle that we forget the One who performed it. We need to remain focused on Christ, whether a miracle takes place or not.

Sooner or later we will be called upon to trust God as we endure sickness, grief, or disappointment. That's when "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).    — Herbert Vander Lugt