The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” So the Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this black mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled out by the roots and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. – Luke 17:5-6
When Jesus told His disciples that they could uproot a tree with their faith, was He saying that faith itself moves the tree, or that the Creator of the tree is the one who moves it?
Walking With Jesus and Learning About Faith
Imagine walking with Jesus the way His early disciples did. What if you could witness Him heal the sick, feed thousands, or walk on water? Every time He performed a miracle, He spoke about faith. Like His followers then, we would watch in awe and ask, “How can I have that kind of faith?”
The Power Is in the Object of Our Faith
Jesus answered by saying we only need the smallest amount of faith. So small, in fact, it is barely measurable. He wasn’t emphasizing the size of our belief but rather who we are placing that belief in. We already have enough faith. What we often lack is a deep understanding of the One we place our faith in.
Faith does not make something happen. Instead, it recognizes the love, power, and grace of God that already exists. Faith is a humble surrender, a declaration that we are incapable, but He is completely able.
Growing in Faith by Knowing God More
As we grow in our relationship with God, we begin to trust Him more. Our hope becomes anchored in the Creator of all things. Even though we cannot see Him, our love for Him grows. What we call “increased faith” is really a deeper understanding that even the smallest amount of trust in God is enough, because He is the one who does the miraculous.
Father in heaven, I want my faith to grow. I want to be part of the miraculous and stand in confidence no matter what comes. Let Your power work through me every day, just as it did through Jesus. Increase my faith.