Matthew 8:13 (NLT)
“Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, ‘Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.’ And the young servant was healed that same hour.”
What Pleases God?
There’s not one person reading this who doesn’t want to please God. You wouldn’t be here—taking the time to lean into His Word—if that weren’t the case.
So, what exactly pleases the Lord? The Bible doesn’t leave us guessing—it tells us plainly.
1. Singing with Thanksgiving
Psalm 69:30–31 (KJV)
“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.”
When we worship God with gratitude, it’s more pleasing to Him than any physical sacrifice. True worship flows from a thankful heart.
2. Sinners That Repent
Luke 15:1–7 (KJV)
“There shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
Heaven rejoices when one lost soul comes home! Jesus made it clear through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—nothing pleases God more than redemption.
3. Having Faith
Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Faith—unwavering, anchored faith—is what moves the heart of God. Not casual faith. Not “mountaintop” faith. But faith that stands firm through valleys, storms, and waiting seasons.
Faith That Doesn’t Waver
James 1:6 (KJV)
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
A doubting heart is like a wave—unstable, restless, and tossed around by fear and uncertainty.
As Clarke said,
“The man who is not thoroughly persuaded that if he ask of God he shall receive, resembles a wave of the sea… now rising by hope, then sinking by despair.”
David Guzik adds that a wave is:
- Without rest — just like the doubter.
- Unstable — just like the doubter.
- Driven by the winds — just like the doubter.
- Capable of destruction — just like the doubter.
Faith that wavers can’t stand. But faith that’s rooted—unwavering faith—believes God’s Word even when circumstances scream otherwise.
The Faith of a Roman Officer
Matthew 8:5–13 (NLT)
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came pleading,
“Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”
Jesus replied,
“I will come and heal him.”
But the officer answered with remarkable humility and belief:
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.”
What incredible faith from someone outside of Israel’s covenant—someone who simply believed in the authority of Jesus’ word.
Guzik explains it beautifully:
“The centurion understood that Jesus’ healing power wasn’t a magic trick requiring His presence. He knew Jesus had true authority—able to command things to be done even from afar.”
This man understood authority. He said,
“I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come.”
Jesus was amazed. He turned to those following Him and said,
“I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!”
Then Jesus declared,
“Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.”
And instantly, the servant was healed.
Where’s Our Faith?
That final line hits hard: “Because you believed, it has happened.”
It raises a challenging question for all of us:
- What have we not been believing God for… and therefore, it hasn’t happened?
- Where have we let doubt convince us the situation is too big for God?
- Have we let the winds of unbelief push us away from trust?
Maybe you’ve been like that wave—up one moment, down the next—hoping, then doubting.
But God is calling His people to unwavering faith. Faith that doesn’t flinch. Faith that says, “Just speak the word, Lord, and I know it will be done.”
Final Thought
God is still moved by faith—pure, simple, unwavering faith.
The Roman officer didn’t need proof, signs, or physical evidence. He just needed Jesus’ Word.
And that’s the kind of faith that still makes miracles happen today.
“Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.”
