Luke 17:5 & 6
When the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith," the Lord said to them, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, "Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you."
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus mentioned the disciples' unbelief as the principal reason they could not cure the afflicted child, and there was also a need for prayer and fasting. He said to them, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to here,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."
In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter believed the word of Jesus to come to Him on water; He stepped out of the boat and did walk on water. He was doing fine until his focus became the wind around him. "And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
John 11:40 Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, said to Martha, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"
The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed — Mark 4:30 & 31
Jesus uttered a parable "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade."
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Reflection
The power of God is not manifested based on an abundance of faith, for even the smallest measure of faith can move a mountain. In the Matthew 17 narrative, the disciples were trying to bring about a miracle, but their "doing" was not from a place of deep-rooted faith in the living God. Jesus has given power to His people, but faith is the key.
A Prayer
Lord God, help us to truly believe, so that we may experience your power in our daily lives and make an impact in the world in which we live. Remove the weeds of doubts in our minds and anoint us Lord for your service. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
A Walk In The Garden Devotions
