Abraham's kindness and hospitality to the three strangers (really angels of God) paid off. They give him and Sarah wonderful news. The long-promised son would soon be born. Abraham's name will live on and be source of blessing for all the earth. They had all but given up hope for they were both elderly and beyond child-bearing years. But God was making a point: the promise would be fulfilled in God's time and in His way rather than Abraham's. So it is with us: if we push, manipulate, and behave with impatience then we are not likely to have a positive outcome very soon. We ask in prayer, take the necessary steps on our part, and then let go in faith and trust God. In this way we get out of the way and allow God to act. And when our prayers are answered it will be in a quiet or everyday manner - the stranger we meet, the 'coincidence', or the unexpected event.

The centurion had this same incredible faith - and he was neither Jewish nor Christian but a Roman soldier. He knew who Jesus was and believed absolutely that whatever Jesus ordered would happen - he compared it to his own experience as a soldier. Our faith, trust, and lack of doubt are essential for God's blessings and healings. A heart filled with doubt and cynicism makes it very difficult for God's Spirit to act on our behalf. We can follow the example of our cheerful and faith-filled centurion - and be alert for the many examples of faith shown by people who do not share our religion.