HOW IS YOUR FAITH?

Read Matthew 17:14-20

MEMORISE: Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" So Jesus said to them, 'Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,’ and It will move; and nothing will be Impossible for you" (Matthew 17:19-20)

EXPOSITION

The disciples although, had been given the authority to heal (Lk 9:1), were unable to drive out the demon in the demon-possessed boy, and they asked Jesus why. He answered them, 'Because of your unbelief'. He pointed to their lack of faith. Although, it is the power of God, not our faith, that moves mountains, faith must be present, to do so. Perhaps, the disciples had tried to drive out

the demon with their own ability, rather than God's. They had relied on what they thought they could do (cf. Zech. 4:6; Rom. 9:16).

There is great power in even a little faith when God is with us. Jesus said, the only way we can do anything that will produce result, is to remain close to Him, for without, outside, or aside Him, we can do nothing (Jn. 15:5). If we feel weak or powerless as Christians, we should examine our faith/level of trust in Him,’ making sure we are trusting not in our own abilities to produce results, but His own power and enablement (Jn. 14:12; Phil. 4:13). If we are facing any challenge that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, let us take away our eyes from the mountain and look to Jesus, for more faith.

Immediately, the father of the child turned his attention to Jesus and cried out in tears, 'Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!' (Mk. 9:24). Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me" (Matt. 17:17). How is your faith in Christ Jesus - working faith? Where and who do you turn to when you are billowed against by the storms of life? It pays you to keep looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2), for those who look unto Him are never ashamed (Psa. 34:5).

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord Jesus, give me the grace to always depend on Your power; and not my ability, in all I do.

2. My Lord and Savior, the grace to always remain close to You as a branch, so that my efforts will produce results, grant me, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, grant all Christians the grace to always look away from mountains and grants, to You whenever we face challenges of life, in Jesus name.

EXTRA READING: Leviticus 9 - 10 & Luke 4

Remain blessed!