Growing My Faith
Achieving Faith

Scripture Reading: Matthew 8:5-13

Key Verse: Matthew 17:20

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, 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.”

This week I have been focusing on building our “most holy faith,” which, according to Jude 20, is not achieving faith. Jude was referring to our “set of beliefs.” But today I want to finish this week with a thought about achieving faith.

Jesus taught that the smallest amount of authentic faith could move mountains. That tells me that I don’t experience this authentic faith as often as I think I do. Too often when we are trying to believe God for something, there is this little seed of doubt. It is this doubt that takes the power out of authentic faith. When we plop down into a chair without the first thought of it not holding us, we are getting a taste of this authentic faith.

Today’s suggested additional reading tells a great story of the kind of faith that Jesus wants us to have. A high-ranking soldier in the Roman army came to Jesus on behalf of one of his servants. The servant was paralyzed and suffering. When Jesus offered to go to this soldier’s home and heal the servant, authentic faith kicked in for this soldier. He told Jesus that he was a person of authority and when he spoke men under him obeyed. He looked at Jesus and said: “just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Wow, what faith and total trust in the power and authority of Jesus! Let that phrase permeate your thoughts today: Just say the word, Jesus. Every time doubt creeps in, say it again. Our faith must overcome our doubt and give Jesus the proper trust that He is worthy of. Let’s astonish Jesus with our faith!

Father, I know you are all powerful. Help me live my daily life trusting your power for my challenges. In Jesus’ Name, amen.