Discerning True Faith
Doubtless Faith – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:18-22

Key Verse: Matthew 21:22

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

This week’s study of what true faith is must lead us to Jesus’ own words about the subject. The disciples were amazed at Jesus’ power to speak to a fig tree and curse it. The tree withered so quickly the disciples had no doubt it was because of Jesus’ words. Even more amazing, it seems to me, is that Jesus lets us know that anyone can have that same power, if they have the same faith.

The key phrase to this story is, “if you have faith and don’t doubt.” Faith, at its most powerful level, is pure belief in a God who can do anything. Saving faith, as James puts it, believes so completely in the teachings of Jesus that the believer follows those teachings in their daily life. Why wouldn’t a true believer live a life worthy of the Lord? They are completely convinced that God is right—all the time!

When we worry, we are doubting. Worry is just one symptom of doubt. Stress and anxiety would be close cousins and are more symptoms of doubt. Think about a day in the life of someone completely convinced that God works all things out for our good and provides all our needs. How can that person not enjoy an abundant life? It’s doubt that erodes our peace and joy in the Lord. Can you believe and not doubt? (Continued)

Father, with your help, I will live in peace today. No matter what comes, I know all is well. In Jesus’ name, amen.