Faith's Secret

There are many how-to books being published under the guise of an easy way to fulfillment. Many of these publication state that it all starts within oneself. If we believe in ourselves and not think negative thoughts we can create a successful life by projecting positive thoughts into the universe. We are one with the universe and we create our life’s path. Now that sounds like the winning ticket but somehow it falls short. Why?

It falls short because it is based only on self-centeredness. It is easy to be self- centered. Just observe a 2-year old child going through the “no stage” of life. Sharing is not in that toddler’s universe.

Extrapolating this theory we are creating positive thought which equals positive thoughts being sent out into the universe therefore our thoughts create our universe. This equation leaves out the very important factor of creation – our Lord! Equating your positive thoughts to ruling your life is not what we are put on this earth to accomplish. Each of us inherently knows from the depths of our soul that we are here to serve the Lord and to help others. We are here to lead a selfless life – not to just think grandiose thoughts.

It is stated well in the book of Matthew Chapter 17 verse 20: So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (New King James Version)

This verse is an explanation of true faith. Many people misunderstand this verse thinking that they can never move mountains so why try. Do you know someone who can move mountains? Even our Lord Jesus when he walked this earth did not move mountains – but what then does this verse really mean?

First let us start with the analogy of the mustard seed. A mustard seed is an extremely tiny seed yet it grows into a very large tree. This mustard seed has been equated to persistent faith. The tiny seed continues to grown until an incredible result is issued. The description of the mustard seed is a true example of persistent faith. If a tiny seed can produce an incredibly large tree than what would a small amount of persistent faith produce? Faith has been described as belief, confidence, trust, acceptance, certainty, conviction and most of all truth - the truth of seeking the God of the Bible in the Gospels of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is the life blood of faith! We must remember we do not obtain results without first seeking faith in our Lord! This is not human faith but a complete trust that allows the Lord to work through us. When we totally surrender our problems in faith to the Lord – we see that it is not us that affect the results.

Many will not understand this explanation because they only have the faith of what they can see; hear; smell; touch or taste. If they cannot experience through the physical presence then it does not exist. These are the ones that feel they can will things into existence. Can we really think things into existence? Are we really the creator of our universe? Stop and seriously consider this logic – we did not think the Lord into being it is just the opposite. This faith of the mustard seed is not human faith but the faith that allows our Lord to work through us.

There is an old saying that states “When the cupboard is bare that is when true faith comes in”. The meaning behind that saying is simple if human faith cannot fill the cupboards then it is the faith we place in the Lord that allows Him to work in our lives. It is not us that bring the results but the faith in the Lord – we are not to worry what we can or cannot do but to put our faith in His hands for He can work miracles!

How many times have you heard another begin a sentence with “You will not believe...?” Yes we can and will believe because it is through our faithfulness that many things are accomplished and many more insurmountable problems brought down to size. How many times have you heard that hind sight is 20/20? Why do you think that is? Because when the storm has cleared then are we able to look back and see the results of the turmoil. When we are in the middle of the storm we usually think the worst but that is only if we look to ourselves to solve the problem. If we just take that moment to stop and apply our faith and pray to the Lord – ah then it does not seem as bleak. Instead the clouds begin to clear and one can see onto the horizon. Once we are in prayer there is a peace that descends upon us. A peace that will transcends all other feelings - nothing is impossible through prayer and trust in the Lord!

Many say yes I have heard that before but those are only hopes – how does one truly know? If you have belief it will change you – the way you think; the way you live; and the way you feel towards others. You will then begin to understand that your original faith that was only based on your physical experience was removed! Like the story of the man born blind at birth. Jesus came upon him and healed him. When it was found out that the man could see again no one could understand – a man born blind was blind for a lifetime. When asked how this came about the man replied …”One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25; New King James Version). So it is with us once we understand the true belief which was likened to the mustard seed; than we can begin to feel that belief germinating in our soul.