“And the apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith” Luke 17:5. Now Romans 12:3 tells us that “God has dealt to each one a measure (limited portion) of faith.” Every one of us who are Christians has been saved by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8). From the moment of salvation we all live by faith (Romans 1:17; Galatians 2:20), we walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), and we stand by faith (Romans 11:20). That puts every one of us on a level “playing field”. It is not how much faith we have, but how we use the faith we have that really counts! Faith may seem small, but like a mustard seed, when activated and put to use (planted) the power of abundant life within it is released, and the “mountain” of soil that covered it is moved as the plant emerges, those figurative mountains before us – those humanly insurmountable obstacles, problems, and hindrances are conquered! Jesus questioned the little faith of some ((Matthew 8:26) and commended the great faith of others (Matthew 15:28). So how does our faith grow or increase? How do we move from little to great? First we use what we have; remember the story of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, which portrays “use or lose”! It was not how many talents they had, but how they used them. Secondly as we fill our ears and hearts with the word of God, it becomes the nourishment that grows and matures our faith, Romans 10:17.
Faith
Today’s poem was written by Norma B. Jenson, published in the book “Destined to mature” copyright 1967.
Faith means trusting, when rough is the way;
Faith means smiling, when dark seems the day;
Faith means to know that your Saviour will hear,
When you tell of a joy or a trial or fear.
Faith means trying, and leaving the rest;
Faith means trusting and doing your best;
Faith means living for God each day,
And following when He leads the way.
Faith is a power that all may receive;
Faith is to just God’s promise believe.
So, may we all earnestly pray,
“Dear Lord, increase my faith today.
Scripture quotation is from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.