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Matthew 17

Faith is a vital component of the abundant Christian life. If you had to give an account to God for your faith, do you think that He would consider your faith a strong faith or a weak faith?  The Bible is full of story after story of faith. In fact, Hebrews 11 gives us a Faith Hall of Fame so to speak.  These were not perfect people who never wavered in their devotion and duty, but they were people who even when they strayed, knew that their  vital anchor was God. What is faith you may ask?....“ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ )

Having assurance about what we can’t see, feel, hear or touch can be difficult but God knows this and that’s why His Word is full of affirmations and encouragements. That’s why Jesus came in flesh to dwell among men and performed miracles and provided explanations of God and His truths. The transfiguration of Jesus was meant to be such a faith booster. 

“Now the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ's glory, as of the only begotten of the Father. It was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion; and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were overcome by the glorious sight.” (Billy Graham)

Jesus wanted his disciples to have a deep faith and because of all that they had opportunity to see and know from being in close intimate relationship with Him, I think He was frustrated at times that their faith was weak. The disciples should have been able to heal the boy with seizures and Jesus made them aware  of their limitations. “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”” 

Jesus showed Peter that He was dependable and could choose unconventional and unexpected means of providing what was needed. When Jesus decided to pay the temple tax, He did so in a way to boost Peter’s faith. ““But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (27‬) I don’t know about you but that would have been an amazing thing to experience.

And as I think about it, I have experienced God providing faith boosters in my own life. In fact, He has done so over and over again. And yet, with each new obstacle or frustration that this life places as a hurdle to my faith, I have to persevere. I have to be intentional about keeping my focus on Him, staying in His Word and asking Him to deepen my faith. My goal and frequent prayer is to have an unwavering, unstoppable faith. How does God build that faith?....by testing it. “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James‬ ‭1:3‬)

Faith is so important but deep faith must be instilled in us by God. It’s a process that we need to cooperate with and pray about. God will champion our faith building because it is His desire also that we have a deeply rooted effective faith. May we find encouragement from that Faith Hall of Fame and follow the example of Abraham- ““Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans‬ ‭4:20-21‬)

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