From the desk of Pastor Ben

The Power of Faith – Part 1

The disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith.”
                                (Matthew 17:19-20a)

Little faith is the kind of faith that believes in God when you have something in your hand, when His provision is already made. When things were going well with the disciples and everything seemed under control, they found it easy to trust their Lord. But as soon as circumstances became uncertain or threatening, their faith withered. Their faith was like the faith of most believers in all ages. When we are healthy and have the necessities of life, our faith is great and strong, but when we are in need, our faith is small and gives way to doubt.

Great faith trusts God when there is nothing in the cupboard to eat and no money to buy food. Great faith trusts in God when health is gone, work is gone, reputation is gone, or family is gone. Great faith trusts God while the windstorm is still howling and persecution continues.

It is encouraging to realize that even the apostles always had to rely on Jesus to minister effectively. To strengthen their faith and their sense of dependence, the Lord sometimes made them wait — just as He does with believers today. And as He does so, we will grow stronger in faith by ever-increasing challenges that expose our own weakness and drive us to the Lord.

Ask Yourself:
What is the Lord asking you to wait for today? If you could step back and look at it objectively, not being as torn up by the fears and emotions involved, what would you say you’ve learned in your waiting times? What have they helped you see in yourself?