Faith's Rewards

Our faith plays an extremely important role in a Christian's life.  In fact, it is a necessary ingredient which needs to be constantly at work in our life.  Jesus has much to say about it and as with a good portion of His promises, the results of those promises depends on us taking action.

As I looked up the word faith in the dictionary, it can take on several meanings depending on the way it is used.  The faith and its promises as we are looking at here will deal with belief.  I especially like the definition Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary gives in light of the Matthew 17:20 Scripture.  "The assent of the mind of understanding to the truth of what God has revealed.  The assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence."  God rewards that kind of faith.

In fact, according to Jesus (in Matthew 17:20) our faith doesn't need to start out big.  Even if it is the size of a mustard seed, it has the potential to produce much.  there are several times Jesus uses the mustard seed as an example.  The mustard seed is very tiny but within that seed is the potential of a huge plant when it is planted.  Jesus told of its potential in a parable.  "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.  It's the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it's taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches."  (Matthew 13:31,32 HCSB)

When your faith starts out, it is very small and insignificant.  However, when it is planted it can begin to produce and with that has the potential of expanding to a larger and strengthening faith which God promises will bring about great and even greater results.  Even difficulties and obstacles which appear as mountains can be moved is a promise God gives to us.

There is one two letter word which gets in the way of our faith producing God's promise and it is the word IF.  When the father of a boy who was experiencing convulsions came to Jesus, he said to Jesus, "IF you can do anything..." (Luke 9:22).  The man as yet did not have a revelation of Who it was he was making this request to and he obviously didn't have faith.  That word IF indicates doubt.  It indicated that perhaps he felt Jesus had limitations.  Jesus answered him, "There are no "ifs" among believers.  Anything can happen."  (Mark 9:2 The Message Bible)  Jesus was not saying we automatically obtain anything we want.  What we ask must line up with His will and that which helps and strengthens us when it comes to serving Him.  In this particular situation, Jesus wanted the father to have confidence (faith) in His healing power.

Without faith operating in our lives we do not receive the promises and we do not please God.  "For the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and REWARDS those who seek Him."  (Hebrews 11:6)  Don't just hold that seed in your hand, but rather plant, feed, and water it so that it can grow.

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