Habakkuk 1:12–2:4; Psalm 9:8-13; Matthew 17:14-20 Because of your little faith ...and nothing will be impossible to you (Mt 17:20) What kind of faith does the Lord expect of us, especially when we meet set-backs and trials? Inevitably there are times when each of us disappoint others or disappoint ourselves when we suffer some kind of set-back or failure. In this Gospel incident the disciples of Jesus fail to heal an epileptic boy. The response of Jesus seems stern; but it is really tempered with love and compassion. We see at once the dismay of Jesus with his disciples lack of faith and his concern to meet the need of this troubled boy and his father. With one word of command Jesus rebukes the evil spirit that has caused the affliction of this boy and tells the spirit to never enter him again. Notice that to a non-swimmer, it seems incredible that a human body could float on water. Bodies are heavy, and that’s that! The disciples, called to heal this man’s deranged son, were just as incredulous. Jesus tells them that they can remove mountains if they have faith in God. The expression to remove mountains was a common Jewish phrase for removing difficulties. A wise teacher who could solve difficulties was called a mountain remover. Thats right, Jesus told them that they needed just the smallest amount of faith to move mountains, let alone drive out one demon! Surely the disciples wondered how they could ever develop that kind of faith. For that matter, how will we? The beginning of the answer is in this passage from Habakkuk: “I will stand at my guard post, and station myself upon the rampart, and keep watch to see what he will say to me” (Hab 2:1). Our faith will grow as we spend time in God’s presence and let him speak the truth to us, confirm that truth, and make that truth clearer to our hearts. So here is Habakkuk’s four-step plan: • Stand at your guard post - Find peace in the place you are supposed to be, wherever that is. • Stand at the rampart - A defensive wall of a castle or walled city, a rampart allows for a broad vision. Don’t get caught up in low-level controversies; rather, fix the eyes of your heart on Jesus. • Keep watch to see what God will say - Try your best to tune in to the Holy Spirit’s wavelength so that you can detect his promptings. • Write down what you hear - Use a notebook or journal to keep track of your prayer. That way, you can go back later and study it, test its truth, and hold on to whatever it is that God has said to you. This simple plan will help you deepen your relationship with God. You will learn what his voice sounds like. You will become more familiar with his thoughts. And you will learn about his unfailing, gentle love. Does it sound incredible? No more than floating on water, really. Trust the One who made you to teach and grow faith. Let him show you that you are made to move mountains! If we pray with expectant faith God will give us the means to overcome difficulties and obstacles. When you meet trials and disappointments how do you respond? With faith and trust in Jesus? “Lord Jesus, help my unbelief! Increase my faith and trust in your saving power. Give me confidence and perseverance, especially in prayer. And help me to bring your healing love and truth to those I meet. Jesus, I confess, I don’t think I can move mountains. Teach me how! Teach me to hear your voice and grow more powerful in faith.” Amen.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 19:02:52 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015