Faith
Mustard Seed Faith
Do you ever have doubts? Does something either happen, or not happen, which causes you to wonder if God is really there? I think if we’re honest, most of us have experienced moments of disbelief from time to time. Those instances can be distressing. The good news is God can handle our doubts! He knows us better than we know ourselves and He knows exactly where we are on our faith journey.
I am reminded of the healing miracle Jesus performed when a worried father brought his ill son to Him. The father’s pleading to Jesus to heal his son was unsure. “…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus responded by telling the father that, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”…and the boy was healed (Mark 9:22-24, paraphrased).
At first glance, my understanding of that passage was only surface deep. I assumed Jesus was telling the man to believe that his son would be healed. But, then, upon pondering more and digging into His word, a deeper meaning was found. The belief, or faith, that Jesus was talking about was regarding Him! He was asking the distraught father if he believed that Jesus was the Christ and could heal the boy, not simply that the boy would be healed. This was a lesson in faith in Jesus as Lord, not faith in healing.
God understands that we will have times of doubt. He is a loving God and He welcomes us to come to Him, even with our weak faith. His word tells us that the mustard seed, though very tiny, will grow into a great plant when encouraged. So, likewise, when we come to Him, with faith as small as a mustard seed, He will strengthen and reassure us! I encourage you, if you enter into a time of uncertainty, to first pray and seek God. Ask Him to strengthen your faith in Him and remove your doubts, just as the father in the passage above did. The closer we come to God, the deeper our relationship with Him will be and the greater our faith in Him will become. Rather than simply believing in the outcome of what God can do, pray for increased faith in God Himself. For when we have faith in God, we will experience the incredible blessing of His sovereign answers to our prayers.
God’s character doesn’t change. Think back over the times when God has been a tangible force in your life. Remember the miracles, the answered prayers – and the blessed “coincidences” that happen just at the right time. Mark them down and make a record of them. God is always active and always at work for His good purposes. He has been writing our testimonies our entire lives…let’s remember them, share them, and be encouraged! The result will be that as we draw nearer to God and cultivate our relationship with Him, our faith in Him will grow! When we remember and share with thanksgiving the wonderful things that God has done in and for our lives, things that weren’t necessarily what we expected as the answers to our prayers, our mustard-seed faith will grow strong. He will encourage us through our praises of Him and as we glorify His name, our doubts will disappear…for everything is possible for one who believes…in Him!
Believing in Him,
I am reminded of the healing miracle Jesus performed when a worried father brought his ill son to Him. The father’s pleading to Jesus to heal his son was unsure. “…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus responded by telling the father that, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”…and the boy was healed (Mark 9:22-24, paraphrased).
At first glance, my understanding of that passage was only surface deep. I assumed Jesus was telling the man to believe that his son would be healed. But, then, upon pondering more and digging into His word, a deeper meaning was found. The belief, or faith, that Jesus was talking about was regarding Him! He was asking the distraught father if he believed that Jesus was the Christ and could heal the boy, not simply that the boy would be healed. This was a lesson in faith in Jesus as Lord, not faith in healing.
God understands that we will have times of doubt. He is a loving God and He welcomes us to come to Him, even with our weak faith. His word tells us that the mustard seed, though very tiny, will grow into a great plant when encouraged. So, likewise, when we come to Him, with faith as small as a mustard seed, He will strengthen and reassure us! I encourage you, if you enter into a time of uncertainty, to first pray and seek God. Ask Him to strengthen your faith in Him and remove your doubts, just as the father in the passage above did. The closer we come to God, the deeper our relationship with Him will be and the greater our faith in Him will become. Rather than simply believing in the outcome of what God can do, pray for increased faith in God Himself. For when we have faith in God, we will experience the incredible blessing of His sovereign answers to our prayers.
“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted
in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants
and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’" Matthew 13:31-32
Believing in Him,
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17 Comments
Dear Joan,
ReplyDeleteThis passage has been so dear to my heart. Like you, I read it and then had to go back and look AGAIN. Upon careful study it was so clear that it was the lack of belief on the father's part, just like you mentioned that Jesus was questioning. What a revelation God's Word brings when we just ask Him to give us understanding.
Lord Help us in our unbelief! :)
Blessings!
Dawn
Loved how you "dug deeper" and explained the Mark 9:22-24 verses. I never saw it like that until now! Thanks for sharing your wise insights, Joan.
ReplyDeletep.s. Great pic of you in the mustard flower field!
Hugs,
Mary H
Great reminder! I know when I start to doubt, I look back at the times that God has come through before.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how when we go back over scriptures, new, clearer meanings are brought forth! I love how God's word is living and active!
Blessings, Joan
Thanks, Mary! The Bible study we are going to is really showing me new ways to look at the scriptures and hear God. I love when He shows me new things!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
I know that some people use a prayer journal to write down answers to prayers. This year, I'm using a "blessing jar"! In it I'm writing down the blessings that God gives (whether prayed for or now) and then on the New Year, my husband and I are going to open up the jar and read each one in celebration!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Thanks, Beth! That picture was taken two days ago when we had a break in the rain! The mustard plants smelled like spring!! (Looked it, too! LOL) Thank you for your encouraging comment! Blessings, Joan
ReplyDeleteThis picture is just awesome! From something so tiny can grow something so beautiful. And you're right, it's not about faith in healing, it's always, ALWAYS been about faith in HIM, whether the healing comes or not. Thank you for this today! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
ReplyDeleteAt our former church in GA, they gave us a mustard seed taped to a piece of paper... It is very tiny! I have always loves that concept of how just a teeny bit of faith can blossom into something incredible. Thanks for this encouragement, Joan. You rock.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelly! And yes...faith in God!! When we realize that is the goal, to have faith in God and deepen our relationship with Him, each day is a true blessing!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, too! Joan
Thanks, Sharita! :-) It is amazing what God does, even when presented with a teeny tiny bit of faith. He is the Great Encourager and He will increase our faith when we look to Him!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Visiting you from Weekend Brew! I struggle with doubts but I have also experienced those God-wink moments when I knew he was preparing me for the next step in my journey. Thank you for sharing and providing a deeper understanding of believing in HIM! Blessings, Mary!
ReplyDeleteAs I read Luke 17:6-10 this morning "mustard seed faith" verses, it his me that Jesus was also saying that faith grows through obedience. I don't think I ever really thought of it that way before. I always thought obedience grew out of growing faith, but I think it just may go both ways.
ReplyDeleteI just love the ways He meets us in our weak faith and gives us what we need to grow and trust. Thanks for this. I love the pic, too!
Joan, this is so timely for me today. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. My heart is encouraged.
ReplyDelete(And thanks for linking up to Thought-Provoking Thursday!)
Hi Mary! I'm glad you've come over from Barbie's blog! I love how God is never still and is always working, preparing us for the next steps! I'm trusting Him as my Guide!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
That thought (faith growing through obedience) is just what we have been talking about in my Bible study lately! I think that when we obey Him, His truths are more clear to us and as a result, we draw closer in our relationship. When we are close with Him, our faith will continue to grow and mature!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
I'm so glad you are encouraged, Lyli! God has a way of bringing us to exactly what He wants us to see or read at the perfect time, doesn't He?
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
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