LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE!

Have you ever asked the question, “Do I have enough faith?” Or maybe you pondered, “Is my faith big enough?” Maybe you have said, “My faith is too small!” I have considered all of these things myself. The Bible however, gives us the answers to these questions and helps to inform our thinking about faith. Perhaps this will surprise you, and excite you!

Jesus is actually the author, the originator, and the finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The life that we live as born-again children, we live by faith of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20); some translations state “in the Son of God”. We know by Galatians 5:22,23, that we possess the fruit of the Spirit, the work which His presence within us accomplishes. We know by Galatians 4:6 that “God has sent the Holy Spirit of His Son Jesus into our hearts”. We also know that just “as Jesus is so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). Does Jesus have adequate faith? If we answer yes, this would confirm that we too have adequate faith because Jesus is one with us and we are just like Jesus now in this world.

God describes how much faith we have: He has given to each of His children, “the measure”, some translations say, “a measure” of faith (Romans 12:3). Even if we try to determine what that amount of faith is, what “a or the measure of faith” is, we are told that it takes a tiny bit of faith the size of a mustard seed, or a living faith like a mustard seed, to move mountains and nothing will be impossible for us (Amplified: Matthew 17:20). We learn from Mark 4:31,32, that the “mustard seed is smaller than all seeds on earth, but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches,”. It grows about twelve feet high and just about as wide. This tiny seed has great potential for life in it! Like the mustard seed, our faith has great potential for life in it.

We read in Scripture that faith filled words created the heavens and the earth and everything in it (Genesis 1). This faith-filled word, this word of power, is “upholding, and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe” (Hebrews 1:3) right now. Faith is powerful! Faith is our shield against the enemy (Ephesians 6:16); he is no match for the shield of faith!

We are told in 2 Peter 1:2 that we have “like precious faith” with the apostles, “by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ”; it is a gift of His grace. What were the apostles able to accomplish with their faith? Acts 3:4-8, states that Peter and John healed the lame man at the gate of the temple; ““In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And they took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So, he leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping and praising God.” In fact, Peter said, “but what I do have I give to you” (Acts 3:6). What did Peter have? Peter had Jesus’ faith and His power to heal.

Acts 5:12 says, “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people.” “…they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also, a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed” (Acts 5:15,16).

As you reflect on these few passengers, meditate on the fact, that you too have the same faith that Peter, John and the rest of the apostles had, by the righteousness of God and Savior Jesus Christ!

“By the divine power of God, you have been given everything that you need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him…” (2 Peter 1:3). Do you need faith to live a godly life? Yes!

We have been given “exceedingly great and precious promises” from the Lord, that “through these promises we may be partakers of the divine nature,” (1 Peter 1:4). Is faith part of Jesus’ divine nature? Yes! We have Jesus’ nature! We have been instructed, however, to add diligence to the divine promises, and employ every effort in exercising our faith (2 Peter 1:5).

Understanding what we have because of our new birth in Jesus Christ is essential. Once we understand what we have, we need to live from our spirit, that is employ the fruit of the Spirit which includes, patience, faithfulness and self-control. For “steadfast patience and endurance are needed, so that we may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away (and enjoy to the full) what is promised” (Amplified Hebrews 10:36). Receiving the promises of God, which is His will, means we must live by faith, which has been given to us by the grace of God!