2007-02-02 - Weak Faith

Matthew 6:30, "But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith?"

We have a habit of extolling and recognizing faith when it is remarkably evident in someone. When faith is strong, we generally know of it. Those who are strong in their practice of faith and convictions get noticed, and those who struggle in faith are often left in the dust. They are made to feel that their faith doesn't measure up. They take the back seats of the faith bus and register as second-class faith citizens. It should not be this way, and today I want to take a moment and encourage those of you who feel that sometimes your faith just doesn't acceptably match up with those who have seemingly stronger faith.

Let us start right out by saying clearly that weak faith justifies and unites one to Christ as much as the strongest faith does. Weak saving faith is just as much saving faith as strapping, robust saving faith. Salvation is found in the object of faith: Christ, not in the measure in which it exists in the person. Weak faith grants just as much interest in Christ as strong faith, because it is not faith that saves. It is Christ that saves. (John 1:12) The promise of forgiveness of sin in Christ is not made based on the strength of one's faith. It is made on the basis of the existence of faith. It is quite simple. Whoever believes will be saved - not whoever believes a whole bunch will be saved.

Weak faith does not have to remain weak faith. Faith grows, and it grows in numerous ways. Experience has a tendency to increase faith that is weak. Over time, faith is able - more and more - to look back and see the preserving, loving care of God in the midst of the many turmoils that life brings. Many who once were weak in faith have gained great strength when they have simply taken the time to look at the providential hand and administration of God upon their lives day after day, year after year.

As a drop of water is still water, so also a little faith is still faith. The smallest amount of faith has the same possession of the grace, mercy and love of God as the greatest faith that ever was. We should strive after and seek for a strong faith, but if your faith is on a current down cycle, or always seems to lack that level to which you long, press on. Don't imagine that the faith that can move mountains will always be out of your reach. Remember the Lord's mercies to you. Hang your hat on the abundant promises in His Word. Pray for greater dispensations of faith in your experience and heart. Over time as you learn to trust in God, to seek Him even when all seems lost, your faith will strengthen, and you will begin to experience Heaven before you are there.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

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