According To Your Faith

ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH

 

“‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him

who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do

believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:23–24,

NIV)

 

Earl Nightingale tells about a strength test in which people

were asked to squeeze a dynamometer (a machine which tests

the power of your grip) as hard as they could. After that

first squeeze had been measured, they were put under

hypnosis and told they were very strong. When asked to grip

the machine again, their scores averaged forty percent

better.

 

Their physical strength did not increase under hypnosis. But

their ability to use that strength did. It’s wasn’t the

hypnosis that did it, but their belief about themselves.

 

When we are led to believe we are stronger, we react

accordingly. There is a sense in which we all go through

life “hypnotized” in that a great deal of what we do is

determined by what others have told us—and what we have told

ourselves—and believed!

 

What we need to do is listen to what God’s Word, the Bible,

says to us, believe that, and act accordingly. As the

Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who

strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).

 

If there is one thing I have learned over the years it’s

that God never calls any of us to do anything that he

doesn’t equip us to do. And he calls all of us to be

faithful servants in his work on earth, and to be faithful

stewards of all that he has given to us; that is, of our

God-given time, talents, money, and all our resources.

 

Suggested prayer, “Dear God, I come to you with all my

doubts and fears, but want you to know that I am available.

Please use me to be a part of your plans and the work you

are doing in my world today. And like the doubting father in

today’s Bible text, I do believe; help me to overcome my

unbelief. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”