Our faith is what allowed us to come to Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.
With faith such an important part of our Christian life, the big questions are do we have enough faith and how can we receive a bigger portion of faith?
Of course, every Christian needs more faith. In the gospel of Mark, we read a story of a man who brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus for healing.
Mark 9:17-18
One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.”
One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.”
Jesus’ disciples, who should have had every reason to have faith, were unable to cast the demon out. And in disappointment Jesus called them an unbelieving generation (Mark 9:19).
God Knows We Can’t Have Perfect Faith!
As human beings, we can’t have perfect faith. But what God wants is for us to constantly strive for more. A beautiful example of this what happens next in the story of the possessed boy. The father asks if Jesus can help. Jesus replies that all things are possible for those who believe (Mark 9:23).
The father replies with an answer that pleases Jesus greatly. And that answer also gives us a guaranteed way to increase our own faith …
Mark 9:24
Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”
Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”
Want More Faith? Ask God For More!
Faith is a gift from God. Faith is above reason. After all, if we could think our way to faith, wouldn’t everyone have it? And Mark 9:24 tells us the sweetest spiritual insight, we need to ask Christ Jesus for more faith. And when we PRAY FOR MORE FAITH, it will be given to us.
What Should We Do With Our Every Increasing Amounts Of Faith?
In scripture we see that faith has been a necessary factor in receiving miracles (Mark 5:34). But more importantly, faith is needed to draw closer to Jesus. And drawing closer to Jesus is the ultimate reward … the greatest joy … and the most precious gift. This drawing closer to Christ through more faith is the utmost blessing and all you have to do us ask!
