Small Faith

I have been a Christ follower for many years. In fact, I was baptized in 3^rd grade. I must admit that I was more afraid of going to hell, than excited about what heaven might be like. Over the years my faith has become deeper and wider for sure. There are times when I lean on my faith and I just feel weak. I remember hearing a quote years ago that “faith is like a muscle; it develops with use”. I feel like I’ve been developing my faith muscle, but at times it’s very out of shape.

I came across this story of Jesus and a fig tree. I was astonished at the event, but Jesus was using this to teach His followers. Check this out…

¹⁸ In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, ¹⁹ and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.

²⁰ The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”

²¹ Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. ²² You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” (Matthew 21:18-22 NLT)

I have prayed for all sorts of things, but I didn’t receive them.

I’ve prayed for healing and my friend died. (I guess that is a form of healing for sure.)

I’ve prayed bold prayers like Jesus is referring to and some were answered. I’m still learning that my prayers should not be about me. I’m also learning that doubt can hold my prayers back. I’m still learning how to pray. In fact, I find myself praying to God asking for His help at prayer. I want Him to do a lot of things for others. I want the sick healed. I want the lost to turn to Jesus. I want our world to know God. I want….. I want…

I really want what God wants – even if it is not what I want. This is not an easy way to pray, but I believe it’s the correct way. I want His will above my own. I do believe He ALWAYS knows what is best for me. I believe He ALWAYS know what is best for the person or situations I’m asking for His help for.

I feel like my faith is small because I’ve never prayed for a literal mountain moved. I pray often, but my prayers have become more about trying to understand what God wants from me. I know He hears my heart. I am holding firmly to His Hand as we walk through such uncertain times. I’m sometimes confused and worried, but His Hand is like an anchor and my guide that keeps my feet and my faith steady. So, when I’m scared, I hold on to Him. When I’m confident, I hold on to Him.

Pressing On!

Dwayne