Do we ever need an increase in faith? The disciples
did! On more than one occasion their faith was inadequate. Do we ever need an increase in faith? The disciples
did! On more than one occasion their faith was inadequate.
In Matthew 8:23-27, while Jesus slept on
a ship, a great storm arose. The disciples awakened Jesus and
asked Him to save them. His question to them was, "Why are
ye so fearful, O ye of little faith?"
In Matthew 14:25-32, the disciples were,
again, in a boat in the midst of the sea, and Jesus came walking
to them on the water. Peter left the boat to walk toward Jesus.
Peter began to sink and cried for the Lord to save him. Jesus
asked him, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou
doubt?"
In Matthew 17:14-20, a man brought his demon-possessed
son to Jesus, saying that Jesus' disciples had tried but could
not cast out the devils. Jesus later told His disciples it was
because of their unbelief that they could not do this miracle.
Then, in Luke 17:1-5, Jesus gave His disciples
instructions concerning forgiveness. To this, they said to Jesus,
"Increase our faith."
In each of these instances above, the problem
never was that the disciples were apathetic, lazy, or didn't try
hard enough: in each instance, what was needed was more faith!
Now, back to our original question Do we ever
need an increase in faith? Some quit the church because of little
faith; some fail to do some needed work for the Lord because of
little faith; some never become Christians at all because of little
faith! Faith is essential! We come to
God by faith (Hebrews 11:6), we become His children
by faith (Galatians 3:26-27), and we live the Christian life,
step-by-step, walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).
If we are to increase our faith (and who among
us has "too much faith"?), three things are necessary:
1. We must desire more faith ("Increase our
faith").
2. We must resort to the source of faith (the
Word of God, Romans 10:17).
3. We must put our faith into practice (by being
a doer of the Word, James 1:22).
An increase in faith will translate into an increase
in brotherly love, prayer, Bible study, commitment, soul-winning,
giving, zeal all these are enhanced when faith is increased!
In times of sorrow or sadness, temptation or duty,
let us express to the Lord our desire for increased faith, go
to the source from whence faith comes, and put our faith into
action. P.O. Box 871, Flatwoods, KY 41139.