The Strength of Our Faith

I’ve always heard that faith can move mountains. Sometimes it seems that the strength of my faith is in direct proportion to how much I realize my dreams and hopes. I confess that for some time I believed that if I didn’t see results in my life, it was because I did not have sufficient faith. As a result, I felt frustrated and guilty before God. But God’s infinite mercy and grace guided me to the following scriptures:  

The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive [the demon] out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:19-20, NIV).

By the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you (Romans 12:3, NIV).  

Let us run with perseverance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2, NIV).  

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23, CEB).”  

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:30-31, NIV). 

[The disciples] were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:20-22, NIV).  

Reviewing these scripture passages with the help of the Holy Spirit, I learned that God has endowed each of us with a measure of faith. What I believe is really important is in whom we have placed our faith — in Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.  

Not attaining certain things does not imply a lack of faith. It is within us, our faith, our strength, to move forward. Matthew 17 is clear in saying that faith as tiny as a mustard seed, accompanied by prayer according to God’s will, can do anything — for with God, nothing is impossible.

Prayer: Dear Lord, today we ask that the measure of faith you gave each of us be placed solely in you, not to move mountains, but rather to live to glorify and obey you, and to remain faithful and strong, knowing that apart from you we cannot do anything. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.