Welcome to day 39 of our 40-day countdown to Easter 2019! Prayer Builds Faith. When Jesus showed up in his hometown, they were amazed at his teachings but they questioned his wisdom. Their prior association with who he was prevented them from fully accepting who he had become.
They asked, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things? (Matthew 13:53- 57).”
As a result of their unbelief, they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home (Matthew 13:57).”
“And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith (Matthew 13:58).” What the people were conveying to Jesus is that we like what we’re hearing. We even like what we see, but we just don’t believe that all of this could possibly come out of you. After all, you’re a carpenter’s son. You’re Mary’s son. So, why should we believe in you?
FAITH DEFICIT
When you were born again, you became a new person in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). Yet, when some of your friends see you, they naturally think you are the same because their last reference of you was five or 10 years ago. Because the people could not accept Jesus for who he had become, it was difficult for him to do any miracles because the people had a faith deficit. We have to believe God and trust him. We are to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
A faith belief system destroys doubt, unbelief, and fear. The next time you begin to doubt God and cannot recognize his faithfulness and lovingkindness, it’s time to tap into His abundant power of faith. The people in Jesus’s hometown missed out on the blessings because of unbelief. We don’t want to miss the blessings of God because of unbelief.
PRAYER BUILDS FAITH
Here are a few things to help develop strong faith:
Develop a Relationship with God. The best way to get to know God is to read your bible. Download the YouVersion Bible app. Read the verse of the day every day. Choose a bible plan to read by yourself or with others.
Challenge yourself to memorize one scripture each week. Speak the Word of God aloud because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Prayer Builds Faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20).
Believe that you will receive whatever you ask for (Mark 11:24).
Love God and Love People (John 13:34). The more you love God, the better you'll get to know and trust him. Do a daily reflection on God’s love for you. Remember, you have been forgiven by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. This alone should give you the compassion to be loving toward others.
Recognize Your Need for God. When your faith increases, you will be able to recognize God in ways that were once not recognizable. And, you will recognize you’re in need of God on a daily basis.
Switch the Channel. When you find yourself doubting, switch the channel. Don’t sit there meditating on doubt and unbelief. It's like watching a television program that is offensive to the Holy Spirit. Don't stare. Don't take the bait. Switch from the channel of doubt and unbelief to the channel of faith. Do it immediately. Switching to the channel of faith enables you to shift your perspective from unbelief to believing in God. In turn, this will give you perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).
LET'S PRAY...
Lord God, I need you in every area of my life. In my times of doubt, increase my faith. Holy Spirit, help me to switch from the channel of doubt and belief to the channel of faith, in Jesus' name, AMEN!
~Inspiring hope and seasoning faith, Pastor Sean & Dr. Regina Daigre