Originally published Friday, 16 February 2018.
I don't know about you, but I have to admit sometimes I struggle with faith. As a mature Christian, I understand faith and its application, but sometimes I get to thinking too much, and then I'm convicted in my spirit to recognize that what I call faith is me trying to be smart. That's not faith at all.
In re-reading some passages, my FQ (faith quotient) is being given a new opportunity for optimization:
When Jesus healed the centurion's son - before Jesus healed him, he marveled at his faith. The centurion could articulate what faith looked like because so many were faithful to him. He was in a position of authority and people obeyed him. If he said come, they came; if he said go, they went. He didn't seem to be one to abuse the power of his position but it seemed it was understood that if he gave a command, it was for the greater good. Jesus marveled that he could take something that we oftentimes complicate - faith and could explain it. The centurion said all of this to say I believe that if you say the word, my son will be healed. Jesus said the word and his son was healed.
When Jesus calmed the storm - the disciples marveled at his demeanor. What kind of man is this? There were in the midst of a storm and Jesus was sleeping. When he was awakened and saw all that was going on around Him, he asked them, “Why are you afraid - o ye of little faith?”
When Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus - Bartimaeus was persistent in yelling once he knew that Jesus was passing by. By doing this he got Jesus' attention at which point the Lord asked him, "What do you want?" The blind man said, “I want to see.” Jesus healed him, because of his faith in action - his persistence, and making himself heard.
Then there are the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11. Some are known for being faithful while here on earth, and some are known for being faithful in spite of immense hardship and never seeing the reward for their faith.
Faith knows:
- We can be calm in the midst of the storm.
- We can know that God is with us.
- We can have an expectation.
- We can be persistent.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians 6:16 [NLT]
What is your FQ? Would the Lord marvel at your faith?
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