For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
To the non-believer, having faith in God is foolishness. However, to God, it is impossible to please Him without it. The author of Hebrews states, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). If you can’t see it but believe it will happen – that’s faith. Let’s say, you’re hungry and want to make a hamburger. All you must do is prepare it or order it. You don’t need faith to receive it. However, if you don’t have food or money, then you need faith to believe that your need will be met.
The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is filled with examples of faith. We can learn from these biblical ancestors. For those who believed in God were rewarded, and we see their faith in action.
Like them, we can keep the faith.
When we see no way out of a bad situation – Keep the Faith.
When we see no help – Keep the Faith.
For God is working things out for our good.
Supernatural help is on the way!
Yet, you may feel like the Corinthian Jews who needed a sign or like the Greeks who thought faith was not wise (1 Corinthians 1:22). The Apostle Paul explained how some cannot understand the concept of faith because it must be spiritually discerned. Faith comes through the power of the Holy Spirit so that Christian faith is connected to God’s power not man’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:4). It is the Holy Spirit who opens our eyes so we can discover God. Paul goes on to say, “It is because of [what God has done] that [we] are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
So then, how much faith does it take to please God? The KJV puts it this way, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, ‘Remove hence to yonder place’, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you.’” (Matthew 17:20 KJV). Every believer at some point will struggle with faith, but full faith as small as a mustard seed is all we need.
Today, purchase a small container of mustard seeds to remind yourself how faith pleases God. Write on an index card “Matthew 17:20”. Tape three mustard seeds on the index card (be careful not to lose them, they’re small) and ask the Lord to increase your faith.
