Placement of Faith
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Luke 17:5-6
We all have dealt with difficult times! We may have received an unfavorable medical report, death of a loved one, loss of a job, an argument with a friend, or maybe just having a bad day. Whatever it may be, every person has gone through, or is going through, something! And in those times, how do you respond? Is it identical to the apostles in this passage? Have you ever asked Jesus to increase your faith as you face a trying time? I know I have.
However, the point here is not about receiving more faith. The apostles had faith, and Jesus explained even a small amount of faith can do miracles; faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Therefore, His teaching was concentrated on proper placement of faith and not the size of it. Jesus wanted to encourage His apostles to not focus on how much faith they have, but whether they have TRUE faith. A true faith that points to the One who can provide the answer and not on anything else.
I recall some years ago, a loved one being afflicted with a terrible medical diagnosis with lifelong disabilities. In my time of need, my time of despair, my time of difficulty, I prayed and turn to my faith in Yahweh. But then I found myself moving my faith toward what the doctors and therapists were saying, and it began to negatively weigh on me. It was not a question about me having great faith, because I did have it, but where was I putting it!!! Jesus is reminding all of us that properly placed faith, regardless of size, will do the extraordinary. In my ordeal, I finally refocused my faith, and I truly experienced the miraculous and answers to my prayers!!!
So, as you start your day, consider where your faith is placed. Is it focused on your troubles, or on earthly remedies, or is it directed to Christ? Only you can change it!