The deeper I delve into the topic of faith, the clearer it becomes that faith isn’t about following a rigid formula. Faith is as unique as each individual. It’s our personal beliefs about what God has promised that truly shape our faith.
There are no limits to what God can do, and therefore, no limits to what we can achieve or receive based on our faith in Him. This is why Paul could confidently declare, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
However, this doesn’t mean that “anything goes.” To fully grasp what our faith can produce, we need to understand what aligns with God’s Word. Simply put, our faith cannot expect God to act outside of His nature or character.
Let’s explore three passages from the Gospels where Jesus highlights how individual faith unlocked God’s provision:
1. The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Matthew 9:20-22)
Consider the woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years. Her healing came through her faith, as Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” Her faith wasn’t complex. She had exhausted all other options and, in her desperation, believed that touching Jesus’ garment would bring healing.
She had already spent all her money on physicians without success (Luke 8:43). Despite her condition making her ceremonially unclean and socially ostracized, her faith drove her to take a bold step of belief. Her faith wasn’t about a formula; it was about her conviction that something extraordinary was needed, and she believed Jesus was that answer.
Our faith today should echo hers: a simple, powerful belief in what God can do. We must be willing to testify through our actions that we believe in His promises. Faith is about acting on what we believe to be true, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones.
2. The Centurion’s Faith (Matthew 8:5-13)
Next, let’s examine the faith of the Centurion who sought healing for his servant. Jesus was amazed by his faith because, as a Roman soldier, the Centurion was not part of the Jewish community and lacked traditional Jewish expectations. He understood authority and believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word, without needing to be physically present.
The Centurion’s faith wasn’t based on a specific formula or tradition; it was a straightforward belief in Jesus’ power. Jesus highlighted that such faith was extraordinary because it was based solely on belief in His authority and power.
Today, we must remember that healing and other blessings are not limited by our understanding or formulas but are accessible through faith. As Peter’s epistle reminds us, God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We can’t make what God has made available unavailable.
3. The Boy Possessed by a Demon (Matthew 17:14-19)
Finally, consider the story of the boy possessed by a demon. When Jesus’ disciples couldn’t heal him, Jesus addressed their lack of faith. The boy’s father, who had doubts, asked Jesus to help his unbelief. Jesus responded by casting out the demon and highlighting that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains.
This passage illustrates that faith doesn’t have to be flawless or perfect. The main thing to keep in mind is that faith can be nurtured and grown. faith matures when we are intentional about maturing it. Even when our faith is mixed with doubt, Jesus is willing to help us grow. The miracle performed not only resolved the immediate issue but also likely strengthened the father’s faith. i would have loved to see what happened next for this father and son!
Conclusion
Faith isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s a matter of personal belief in God’s promises. It’s about determining what we believe about what God has said. Even if our faith isn’t where we want it to be right now, it can grow and be strengthened. We build our faith by immersing ourselves in Scripture, believing its truths, and acting upon those truths with sincerity of heart.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Contrary to popular belief this isn’t speaking of just hearing the Word of God preached. It means that we can’t hear the truth that builds faith without the Word of God! It’s not just about listening; it’s about hearing God’s Word, the only “real” source of truth, believing that the Word is true, and then taking action based on that belief. As we grow in our understanding and trust of God’s Word, our faith will mature and strengthen, enabling us to experience the power of God in our lives.
