Today's readings: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
How Much Faith Does It Take?
Scripture
"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,'' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."
Matthew 17.20 (NLT)
Observation
We can do nothing in our own strength--it is only through God's strength and power . . . and our complete faith and trust in Him--that anything can truly be accomplished.
Application
This is a difficult verse for me. It makes me wrestle with the faith question--how much faith does it take . . . and will I ever have enough? If it takes such a little amount of faith--what does that say about the faith I have? Will I ever have enough to see a mountain moved?
I think of the young Mary (Jesus' mother) when Gabriel came to her and informed her that she would become pregnant and give birth to the very Son of God. Gabriel says to her, "For nothing is impossible with God." [Luke 1.37]
Mary's reply is "I am the Lord's servant. May everyting you have said about me come true." [Luke 1.38] She had complete faith . . . and trust that God was more than able to make it all happen. And He did--a virgin conceived a child--not just any child, but the Son of God.
The enemy likes to get me to question my faith in God. He likes me to doubt that I have enough faith to accomplish anything--for when I doubt I am powerless, I don't trust that I have enough faith to even go to God and ask, let alone expect an answer.
The other struggle comes when God's answer is "no" or "wait"--we begin to doubt and take the blame for the answer not being what we believe it should be (taking the power from God and giving it to ourself). Rather than trusting God and maintaining faith in His response, we question Him and our faith. We don't use those opportunities to build up our faith--we allow the enemy to come in and steal it with doubts and distrust.
So, how will I be different today because of these Scriptures? I will stand strong--not in my own strength, but in God's--allowing Him to build my faith, trusting Him with all areas of my life . . . not just the ones that I orchestrate to win or show myself faithful.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for the promise that nothing is impossible for You. May I hold on to that truth and trust You. It's a scarey thing to ask You to build my faith--but Lord, if I am to accomplish all that You have for me to do, I need to exercise my faith "muscles." Help me to stand strong in Your strength. Help me to put my trust in You. Plug my ears when the enemy starts whispering about my lack of faith. Thank You for growing me in my faith.
