You Do Not Need More Faith
You Need the Correct Faith
“Blessing in a Box” by Myra Alibrando (an actual painting in a box)
Completely different from the article is this 99-second bonus audio. Hope you enjoy.
God Told Him He Would Die
In the 1980's, after a healing service at our church, a young man who did not actually request prayer, seemed conspicuous sitting there in a wheelchair. I approached him as another church member named “Hal” did the same. Hal took the lead as we both prayed and then asked the visitor in the wheelchair, how he felt. The young man explained that he had been given a diagnosis of dying in the next few months. Hal told that he could be healed. The young man in the wheelchair said something that surprised me. He said, "I have prayed about it, and I am already at peace about dying." Hal declared authoritatively that he and I would pray for the man to have more faith to be healed, but the man interrupted, again assuring us there was no need. Shaking his head in disapproval, Hal told him that he was sinning, needed more faith, and walked away.
Probably in his twenties, the young guy looked at me apologetically, but I apologized to him and confirmed that I also had a peace.
His family would be understandably angry at me for confirming his calm acceptance of death. We all want our loved ones healed. Hal wanted the man to be healed. I certainly would love for him, and every person, to always be healed and never die, but I really did feel a peace about it. It actually took courage on my part to admit to such a young man, who I never saw again, that I joined him in his acceptance. I admired his courage, his peace, and his faith.
More Faith?
How do we "have more faith"? We don't. We either have faith or we don't have faith. You don't need more faith. In fact, the mustard seed parable practically announces this.
My favorite author, Erwin McManus, brought home this point to me in his book "Uprising-Revolution of the Soul" years ago.
I Can Jump Over That Fence
If I am about to jump over a fence but think I will hurt myself, I lack confidence. I don't need more confidence, I simply need confidence, or maybe I shouldn't try to jump the fence.
I have learned that often our faith simply keeps us from quitting.
If I have confidence that I can jump the fence and then fall over trying, but still have confidence I can jump over that fence, I will try again.
If I have unshakeable confidence, I will keep trying to jump that fence because I absolutely know I can do it . . . eventually. That's faith.
Faith is not based on results. Exactly the opposite. Faith itself is the evidence of something inside a person.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Me trying to jump over the fence shows my belief that I actually think I can do it. Failing does not prove I did not have enough faith and if I keep on trying, I am proving ... I am presenting the evidence, that I believe I can jump over that fence, even if I never do.
People Having Faith
Entrepreneurs have that kind of faith even though their business is losing money, they believe it will become profitable and they invest more.
When I get sick, I am trusting God's healing. I may sick for days or weeks but without fear because I confidently believe my healing is just a matter of time.
Dying people who have faith, do not fear death, but not because they will not die. It is because they know they are in the hands of their always dependable, heavenly Father.
Faith is the Opposite of Not Believing
You have faith or you don't. You don't need big faith or bigger faith or more faith. In fact, if you have the faith of a tiny mustard seed, that's enough, because the point is, you do have faith versus not having faith.
The World Has Faith in Many Things
My faith has changed in many ways through the years. Once upon a time, I believed if I had the right romance, I would live happily ever after, like in the movies and so many love songs. Later, I thought if I made enough money or God told someone to give me money, that money would solve most of my problems and then, life would be great.
However, by not giving up on my inner belief that God was good and worthy, my faith led me away from so many mistaken types of faith.
Usually, Faith Does Not Remove Problems
My core faith that God cares, doesn't usually remove problems, but leads me to believe my godly values will continue leading me to greater happiness. I will emphasize this again:
My core faith that God cares, doesn't usually remove problems, but leads me to believe my godly values will continue leading me to greater happiness.
My faith has saved me from giving up on good, giving up on honesty, giving up on ever being a truly good person. Instead of giving up, my faith has motivated me to go forward, also believing wanted to help me become the good son I wanted to be for Him.
I cling to what God has taught me. Through the decades, I have seen many erroneous assumptions replaced by a better understanding of what God wants.
What Does God Really Want?
What does God want? It is you and I free from foolishness, wrong values, bondage, and even death. No sir! I do not want to run away from God. That's why I don't lie, even to myself.
I am not good because I am sweet and holy. I am better than before because it seems stupid to reject God's advice. I truly believe God’s advice is best. That is faith. I work and pray that He will help me not misunderstand His commandments, because His commandments are for our good always. I have faith that no one is smarter or loves me more.
He loves you too. Have a wonderful, hope-growing week.
I completely agree with your message about faith. Your perspective on having faith versus not having faith is truly eye-opening. Thank you for sharing your insights and reminding us that faith is not about having more, but simply having it in the first place. Your message has inspired me to strengthen my own faith and trust in God's plan for me.
I recently faced a difficult situation with a friend who was going through a tough time. Instead of giving up on our friendship, I chose to have faith that things would work out for the best. I continued to support and encourage my friend, believing that our bond would overcome any challenges we faced together.
Thank you for writing this article! 🙏🌟