“And the apostles said to the Lord, Give more faith to us.’’ St. Luke 17:5 (DBY)
Happy New Year! That was what the Pastor thought as he sat down to his computer. He could send a New Year’s greeting to each member of his church. But what kept gnawing at his spirit was how he could facilitate their faith.
We all know how short-lived resolutions are. We want to memorize a Bible verse each day then we miss a day . . . then two days and so forth. Sometimes it is the same with our faith. We resolve to exercise greater faith but somehow we are never satisfied.
Yet, around us others give away huge sums of money accepting that God will provide their own needs. Still others face enormous medical mountains confident that God is going to heal them. How we long for such a strong faith!
The Lord’s disciples also wanted greater faith. They asked Jesus to “Give more faith to us.” His reply is astounding. “You don’t need more faith. If your faith is the size of a mustard seed, that is enough faith to overcome every obstacle.” Size is not the issue. Exercise is the obstacle we must overcome.
So, a resolution to get more faith is useless. Perhaps, in 2006, it would be better to resolve to exercise the faith we have. Maybe, we just need to look for needs and plant the faith seeds we have.
Dear Father and our God, thank you for the faith you have measured out to me. Empower me to exercise it in every situation of every day. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his plan and live by faith,
Pastor Smith