WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR FAITH?

All scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

The size of your faith is determined by your words and works. 2 Corinthians 4:13 says, “But having the same spirit of faith…we also believe, therefore we also speak.” Also, James 2:17 says, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” if you claim to have faith, it should be seen in your words and actions. For true faith prompts one to say or do certain things that will not be said or done ordinarily. For instance, when Abraham was tried, he offered Isaac, his son of promise, because he believed God was able to raise him from the dead. And by works, his faith was perfected. His faith was shown by offering his son. Logically, Abraham should not have offered Isaac. The Lord had just told him to cast away the bondwoman and her son. After that, He was now telling him to kill Isaac, the only one remaining with him and upon whom hinged the fulfillment of God’s promise to him. For God had told Abraham that, “through Isaac your descendants shall be named.” (Genesis 21:12). But because He believed in God and that His promises must definitely come to pass, he was willing to offer Isaac and he obeyed, considering that God would raise him back to life. This was a great faith that won Abraham the title “The friend of God.” (James 2:23). 

We also see Moses. Although he was raised in the palace by Pharaoh’s daughter, he refused to be called her son. And the Bible says in Hebrews 11:25-26 that he “chose rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” It may not be so easy following Jesus. There might be trials and persecutions in Christ while there are comforts and pleasures in the world. But a person of faith will show his faith in choosing to suffer with Christ rather than enjoying the pleasures of the world with Satan because such a person believes that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. 

There were a few times Jesus commented on the faith of people during His time on earth. To the centurion, He said; “Truly I say to you, I have not found such GREAT FAITH with anyone in Israel.” (Matthew 8:10, emphasis added).

Now, Jesus had just entered into Capernaum and the centurion came to Him, imploring Him to come and heal his servant who was lying paralyzed at home, grievously tormented. Jesus, full of compassion, told the centurion He would come and heal his servant. But the centurion would not allow Jesus to come to his house and Jesus seemed to be taken aback by his response. In Matthew 8:8-9 the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” And Jesus on hearing this called his faith great. The faith of the centurion was seen through his words. 

Meanwhile, in Matthew 8:26, Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you afraid, you men of LITTLE FAITH?” Your words and actions in the day of trouble and adversity will also determine the size of your faith. In verse 18, the Bible says Jesus had given orders to depart to the other side of the sea. But when they entered the boat and a great storm arose so that the boat was covered with the waves, they totally forgot the word of Jesus that said they must be on the other side of the sea. They became afraid and thought they would perish. When Jesus was woken up from sleep, He told them their faith was little because they did not believe in His word. But we see the centurion believing the word of Jesus, telling Him to only speak and his servant would be made whole. 

Job’s faith was also shown through his words. While he was passing through great trials, having lost all he had and even his skin, he said, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:25-26 ). He believed God would restore his skin and all he had lost. 

There are areas you can know the measure of your faith. Like Abraham, your level of obedience determines your measure of faith. Quite a lot of Christians find it so difficult to obey God simply because they do not actually believe and trust in God. God gives them instructions and sometimes also shows them the reward of abiding with the instructions. But they will rather ignore and do things in their own way because they do not really believe in God. 

Also in giving. Some also find it difficult to give. They think what they have will not be sufficient if they give out of it, not considering God as their Source. If you believe God can provide your needs, you will not find it difficult to give what you have to God, His work and His people. 

What about those who will not preach the gospel because they do not believe the word of God through them can save souls or heal the sick? Because of their unbelief, they struggle to go out to witness. 

Lastly in praying. Many do not pray because they do not believe in reality that God will answer their prayers. They may pray for awhile and when nothing seems to be happening, they give up. O, that such may know the power of persevering in the place of prayer! While Jesus was teaching on persevering prayer, He ended His teaching with, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” ( Luke 18:8), that is, when the Son of man comes, will He find you still persevering in the place of prayer because you know God will certainly answer you?