Sometimes the Lord does things in our lives
whether or not we have faith. That scares me, at times, to think that my
lack of faith (or effort) could cause God to “go on ahead without me” and
accomplish a task or mission despite me. That God loves me so much that despite
my response, He will still take care of me and have my best interest in mind.
Having faith is extremely important in the life
of a Believer. Jesus emphasized that time and time again to us in Scripture. For
example, Jesus told the father of a demon-possessed son: "Everything
is possible for anyone who has faith" (Mark 9:23). The father
realized that Jesus was calling him to exercise a deep, trusting faith. So he
exclaimed: "I do have faith! Help the little faith I have!" (Mark 9:24)
In that situation, Jesus called not only the
father to faith but also Jesus' disciples and the large crowd with them.
Jesus said: "What an unbelieving lot you are! How long must I remain
with you? How long can I endure you?" (Mark 9:19)
Jesus felt frustrated with those who did not
have or exercise faith. Jesus promised: "I assure you, if you had
faith the size of a mustard seed, you would be able to say to this
mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be
impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20).
We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians
2:8). "Without faith, it is impossible to please" God (Hebrews
11:6). But Jesus questioned: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find
any faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)
Let us cry out to God: "I do believe! Help
my lack of faith!" (Mark 9:24) Don’t doubt. Don’t despair. Why
focus on your circumstances and allow them to shake your faith as if God is
somehow making sport of your situation for the sheer pleasure of making life
miserable for you?
We know God better than that! His love for us
is unconditional and he has promised to “never leave us or forsake us.”
(Hebrews 13:5) Put your focus squarely on God. Trust. Have faith.