What is your faith based on? A parable comes to mind as we dig deeper, trying to decipher the true meaning of our faith. Most who have faith understand that they must have a foundation. Even Jesus explained that a man who builds his house upon a strong foundation is more likely to succeed in life than someone who builds their house (life) foolishly, on unstable ground. So ultimately, we see that it is crucial to build our faith on things we can depend on.
The parable that best explains this question is from Matthew 13:31-32. Though it is only two verses, it gives a detailed depiction of just how Jesus sees our faith. Jesus explains that the kingdom of heaven is like a small mustard seed.
(If you’ve never seen a mustard seed before, it is the size of 2 grains of sand. Maybe even one!)
He goes on to say that when it is planted, it is smaller than the best of plants, but when it grows, boy does it grow! When a mustard tree reaches its adult stage, it's taller than anything anyone has ever seen. It’s so big that birds can nest in it and there still be room for more! Many have underestimated the little seed and do not understand just how good it could be for them.
Just as some do not believe in this little seed, many do not believe in this little word. Faith. What is faith? Well, if we go to the Bible, Hebrews 11:1 states the perfect definition. It says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
So we know it’s a substance of things “hoped for” and the “evidence of things not seen”, but what is hope? Where’s the evidence? In the dictionary, hope is defined as something to cherish with anticipation or to want something to happen or be true. So, let’s look at this verse again.
If hope is something you want to happen, and the evidence is that you can see it happen, what is faith?
Faith is something that cannot be touched, but a belief that something prayed for will happen. Faith is a stronger willingness to believe that God will do what He promised He would do. What are His promises? He promised never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5); He promised He would fulfill our desires (Philippians 4:19); He promised to be our shield and protect us (Psalm 28:7); He promised to wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). These are only a small portion of God's promises. Faith gives us encouragement to trust God even farther than what our flesh will allow us to see.
This little parable proves the importance of having the right kind of faith. Another verse in the Bible, Matthew 17:20, had this to say: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place and it shall move, and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Wow! Now Jesus is saying that this small seed-like faith can help me move ginormous mountains! He is saying that if you have even a small portion of trust in what He can do for you, as small as a mustard seed, big things will happen.
When you pray, you cannot doubt or your faith will never work (James 1:6). You must also add "legs" or work to your faith [go read James 2:17-26 if you do not believe me, this is what God says not me]. He just wants your faith to start somewhere. With time, God will grow you.
So, we know this parable is helping us understand something, but what is it? Check this out: (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” Jesus wanted His followers to understand that every day will not be easy. Things will not go your way, and catastrophes will happen, but there’s that word again. Trust. Trust, faith, and hope are all connected. You must trust that your faith will do what you hoped, but it sure feels good to know you have someone you can always depend on.
The parable of the mustard seed helps us to see how small we are compared to a big God, but with Him, we can grow into vivacious, strong-willed believers. All that He has planned for us. We do not have to allow the pressures of life to mold us into these overly sensitive human beings. We must put our faith in the one who is worthy of all praise. So how should we apply this to our lives? Instead of stressing out over what we should be doing, trust God will do what only He can do. He works in mysterious ways.
If you are wanting to receive God write now, pray this with me: Jesus, I have faith that you can hide me near the cross. I believe you have the power above everything and everyone. Please, forgive me of all my sins. I accept you as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Help me to follow you in everything I do, guide me in your Word. Speak to my heart continuously, give me peace and assurance.
Since you have accepted Jesus Christ, you are now on a road to success, but be warned life will not be easy. I Peter 5:8 tells us to be aware of the devil. He is “as a roaring lion“ walking around trying to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus also says He has come that “you might have life“. When you have difficult times in your life (a death in the family, terrible past, inferiority complex) you can choose to trust Jesus. Speak to Him through prayer. He is always ready to listen. Let him be the “light” in your “darkness“.
If you have any doubts or questions about this email or text me. I am here to help, and to listen. Don’t hesitate; never put off tomorrow what can be done today.
Dia Bliss
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