When our faith is tested, we can rest assured that patience is working in us. The Lord wants us to know that the testing of our faith produces patience, so that we will count it all joy, as we are going through the refiners fire. Let patience have her perfect work in you, as you grow in faith, and in knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Luke 17:5-10

And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

So the Lord said, “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. And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.”

Q: What prompted the disciples to ask Jesus to increase their faith?

A: Forgiveness of those who sin against us 

The reference to a mustard seed made by Jesus was a message to make it known that you already have enough faith:

Q: What does duty have to do with faith?

A: Every act of faith causes the roots of faith to grow deeper within us. And with each expression of faith the outward manifestation grows also. It provides shade for those around us who are exposed to the heat that comes with fiery trials.

James 2:22-24

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

To each one of us a measure of faith has been given as it is written in Romans 12:3 — For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. The capacity of our faith grows in accordance with our active use of the faith we are given, even if it is the size of a mustard seed.

Be encouraged to know that you already have enough faith.

Fear is the enemy of faith. It is therefore essential that we “fear not”. A clear pattern in scripture when an angel brings a heavenly message to earth, is the admonition to “fear not.” This is so fear does not drive out faith. The disciples were overcome with fear and understandably so given the violent storm that arose on the waters. The problem was that they did not cleave to the word that was spoken by Jesus, when he said “Let us cross over to the other side.”

May it be for you as it was for Paul when he was in peril — For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. Acts 27:23-25

Although the storm had raged for fourteen days, of which they had not seen the sun. Yet the word of God gave Paul assurance, that he was able to impart to the others.

May others remain calm because of the faith they see in you!

Jesus was moved by the faith of the Canaanite woman. Although she did not immediately get a response from Jesus, other than silence; and the disciples opposed her and urged Jesus to send her away. She did not waiver — even when she was casted as an outsider who should not take bread from the children of Israel.

Her response to all of this, was worship. Simply because she knew that Jesus was worthy. From her initial conversation, she called him Lord and recognized Him as Messiah, when she called Him the son of David.

Her faith was tested, and she passed the test. My prayer for you is expressed in Job 13:15 — Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. God is building great faith in you!

Prayer is necessary for us to endure hardship and not faint when difficulties persist even as we pray. We must continue in prayer and not lose heart, against all odds. We know that in our weakness the strength of God is made perfect. The widow represents the weakest in a patriarchal society where power, influence and prosperity came by association with men. If a woman did not have a husband or a son, then she was marginalized and at risk of falling into poverty. Her means of survival were quite limited.

Despite the long odds that the widow was faced with in the parable, she persisted in a way that reflected the elect (chosen) of God crying out to Him day and night. The fundamental question posed by Jesus is — although God will avenge His elect speedily — will He really find faith in the earth when He comes? In other words, will we trust God? Or, will we be consumed by hardship and faint?

Be encouraged and pray, persist and keep the faith!

Faith that is not cultivated is like a garden that is not tilled. If we do not pay attention to the garden, weeds will spring up. It takes work to keep a garden free from weeds. So it is with faith. Faith delivered must not be left idle or it will fade away. Therefore we must contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.

In 2021, build up your faith by praying in the Spirit; be compassionate to others; and pull those who defile themselves out of the fire. I pray that we would grow in the faith as we earnestly contend for our common salvation. Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.