
In this, I wish to point out, that I do not, in anyway, claim to know the greatness of God's thought, these words are but my own understanding, as gained through much study and prayer for God's leading, understanding, and knowledge.
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The Word of God tells us... Matt. 14:31.. "And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
Faith, in our heavenly Father, the works of the Lord Jesus, or in our daily walk, is a thing most interesting, and various in it's seeming, as there are many ways of viewing that faith. We often tend to view anothers walk by our own view of life, and not the life of the other. That is not faith, nor does it show our faith, but a form of condemnation against others, for not seeing the will of God as we do. 'To each a measure of faith is given...' Should I judge another by my faith, or is it my faith that needs judged?
As to the matter of ones faith, it is a personal walk between them and the Lord's leading in their life. Those things in their life that brought about their belief, what they believe, and how they put it to work in their daily lives. If one came to know the Lord's saving grace through some tragedy in their life, it often builds a greater humbleness in them, though sometimes a low self worth, even as a child of God.
Our faith should, in and of itself, stand for the belief we have, be it in the Lord, or the things of this world. Showing in our daily walk, that which we believe most strongly in. If in the Lord, then show to all the fullness of HIS strength and guidance. Do we speak of faith to others, of God's saving grace, and yet act as though we are yet sinners..? How then is our faith viewed by others, it is then seen as false, with no true commitment. Do we pray in faith for others healing and guidance, and yet not have the same faith for our own? Where then is our faith?
To each a measure of faith is given, we then build upon that faith, causing it to grow more by our own knowledge in the working of that faith. We watch the sun rise daily, and have faith it will do so again, before long we know it will. The same with our spiritual faith, the more we see it working in our lives, and the lives of others, the more we believe, and the greater our faith becomes. Or should at any rate.
For some, even as the disciples of Christ, they see the workings daily, and yet feel it is not for them as well. They can pray for others, yet there own life is not worthy to God for that same blessing. As Christ said to His followers after calming the storm...."Oh ye of little faith.." God does not show partiality, He sends rain on the just and unjust alike, how then are those seeking His will not worthy of the same blessing as the sinner. That is where our faith should grow even more so, as we see more of His power and love, our faith in that should grow as well.
Faith is planted in the heart and soul, even as the proverbial mustard seed, so small a grain it is hardly known. Then as it is watered and fed, by the trials overcome, prayers answered, blessings realized... we see the work of the Spirit and power of God, be it in His saving grace or mighty miracles of healing. In that we grow even more, until one day we no longer doubt, from faith to faith, ending in a greater knowledge of God. If we then take that seed, our salvation, holding to it strongly, and yet do nothing, how does it show our faith?
If that seed has no water, it withers. If you don’t plant it in the soil, taking your faith out into the world, showing others your love of God for His grace, again that seed withers. If no sun to warm it, no food to nourish it, even as the spirit working in our daily lives, or the daily intake of the Word of God... again that seed will whither, and be as nothing. Then where is that faith that brought you to the Lord's saving grace? By your our actions, you have made it to be nothing.
Yes, we were not all called to be ministers and teachers of God's word, preachers and evangelist to go out and bring the souls of the world to know the grace of God. There is more to be done than that, there is the daily feeding of those souls, in showing love and comfort, a helping hand where it is needed. We need not go out of our way speaking the Word and the will of God just to show our faith.
As with the seed, if everyone planted, the garden would soon be over run with seeds. Where is the water, or the food for growth. There are always weeds sprouting up, and sometime even pruning to be done, and if any of these are done too much, or not done properly that plant will die. Too much water, it will drowned, too much food or sunlight, same thing. If one goes about weeding too roughly, it may damage the plant, same thing with pruning. We must always take care, whether in growing our own faith or that of others, a word spoken can lift up, but it can also bring down.
In our own faith, do we have all the elements for good growth? Do we get plenty of sunlight and warmth, the fellowship of other like minded Christian? Water and feeding, both in the Word of God and the daily blessing we receive and administer to others? Are we careful to watch our walk and see that it is of God, excepting the weeding and pruning the Lord does, by His hand or the word of another. All these things must be done with great care, and much love, and all to the glory of God, showing our faith in HIS great love and mercy, by our actions of love to others.
Do we proclaim our faith in words...? Let it be in praise to God, that others would hear and believe. Do we show our faith in action...? Again let it be to praising God, for the ability He grants us to bless others. In blessing others, by prayer, or goods..? Let it be seen that we do so humbly, out of the love of God, that in so doing our own faith would grow more, by their acceptance of God's mercy.
All in all, in showing our faith to others, let it be in our praise to the Lord, whether for His grace and mercy, His healing power, or His love and comfort, in blessing us daily with life, health, and welfare. Therefore, above all else, let us praise the Lord.