Prayer Journal
Monday, October 6, 2003
"The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." Luke 17:5
There is no simpler explanation of faith than it is belief in action. The men following the Lord asked to have greater faith. What they did not realize was they unknowingly invited trouble to come into their life that would challenge their belief.
The book of the New Testament called James was probably written by the brother of Jesus. The very first words of his work include this powerful statement: "Count it pure joy my brother when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." That implies that the desire to increase one's faith is actually a desire to be tested by problems beyond your ability to deal with them alone. (Jas 1:2-3)
I don't know about you, but I would think long and hard about asking for more problems than I already face. I wonder if the Lord had explained that fact to the disciples if they would have reconsidered their request? A person who would ask for trouble would have to mean business for God and be willing to do and endure anything to please Him.
Do you want to have more faith? Are you trying to deal with the problems of daily life alone with all the skill, ability and resourcefulness you possess. Or do you deal with problems through the grace of the Lord Jesus and lean on what He does and what He provides to get through?
Think you have faith? James must have come from Missouri. He said, "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. In today's language, it might be said that how you react to trouble is a true demonstration of your faith, not what you say.
There's a sign hanging outside the Carpenter's Shop of Christendom that reads like this: "Help needed. Only those with little experience, skill or ambition but possessing a humble spirit of servitude and willingness to totally rely on the Boss need apply."
Have faith?
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
Copyright © 1998-2003
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
