“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17
Have you ever wanted something that required effort to obtain? Maybe it was a new car for which you had to save money over a period of time. Perhaps a new career to which you had to go back to school. Maybe you wanted a new outfit that would take hours to create from fabric and thread. Whatever it was, when you finally were able to have it, it was so precious to you because you had waited so long and worked so hard for it.
Faith is like that. I find myself sometimes wishing I had more faith. But faith doesn’t just happen. I had read a verse in the Bible a long time ago, Romans 12:3, which ends, “…according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith,” and I assumed faith did just happen. I assumed that God doled out faith in portions to each of us, and that was that. I had my share, and that was it. No more, no less. Today, I am realizing I completely misunderstood that verse!
So, here is my takeaway. My faith began as a tiny seed. “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it…” (Matthew 13:23). For me, it was planted long ago in a little country church, and the portion was very small. It was limited by my age and ability to understand the things of God. As I grew, the seed of my faith was watered and began to grow until I understood my need for a Saviour. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). I realize now that the measure of my faith had increased! How? Through God’s Word! His Holy Spirit was opening my eyes to a deeper understanding of the Bible, and as He did, my faith grew. I just didn’t realize it at the time.
As an adult, I have been blessed with two godly pastors in my life who taught me more about God and helped me grow as a Christian. Has my faith grown? Absolutely. Both men taught from the Bible as empowered by the Holy Spirit, and as a result, I continue to grow in my knowledge of God, and my faith has increased. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught…” (Colossians 2:6-7). It is so clear to me that the instruction I have received from the Word of God has been the catalyst for the increase in my faith over the years. I did not receive a designated portion of faith that would be a set amount for my entire life. Instead, I see that God has been measuring out my faith in increments that I can understand and then build upon. My “measure of faith” has not been static, but rather it has been dynamic, divinely changing over the years!
I think about the wise man who built his house upon a solid foundation. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” (Matthew 7:24). My solid foundation is Jesus Christ, my Saviour. From there, God has been helping me build my house of faith. He has provided the tools for me, and He dispenses the materials little by little… that’s the measure He gives to me. It’s an on-going process whereby my house is built. Sometimes I build a lot, sometimes I build just a little, but the foundation is solid! It’s not easy, either. Building my house of faith requires effort. But if I want it bad enough, I will work for it through personal Bible study, going to church and listening to godly messages, and paying attention to the Spirit of the Lord. Why? Because the more I understand the Word of God, the more “materials” God gives me to reinforce and grow my faith.
Quite amazing what can happen with one tiny seed, isn’t it?
More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn, more of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be, showing the things of Christ to me.
More, more about Jesus, more, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.
(from “More About Jesus” by Eliza E. Hewitt)
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalm 86:11
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My mansion in heaven… when faith becomes sight!