Passage of the Day:
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you,” Matthew 17:17-20.
Reflection:
The context of today’s passage occurs after Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs of two. Apparently, the individual who laid hands upon this demon possessed boy was unsuccessful. While Matthew doesn’t mention body language or facial expressions, Jesus wasn’t happy about the lack of faith of his disciples. As His time on earth was coming to an end, Jesus points to a tiny mustard seed which can grow up to 20 feet tall in full bloom. Perhaps, Jesus is merely urging Christians to stretch their faith, trusting in God’s power rather than the mountain currently standing in your way.
Prayerful Action:
Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, Romans 8:12-13.
Fueling Your Faith this Spiritual Season:
As a former competitive golfer, the saying golf is 90% mental holds true. The moment you begin to doubt your swing, question your grip or allow negative thoughts to enter your mind, any confidence that you had in the past about your playing abilities can quickly vanish. The same holds true to your faith. The disciple who tried to heal this demon possessed boy, likely looked at how bad his condition was rather than trust in God’s supernatural power. Stretching your faith involves keeping your eyes on Jesus and your mental trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Faith can be diligent, especially when you experience difficult trials in life. However, when Christians overcome a delicate fade spiritually, faith will be stretched and tested by fire, 1 Peter 1:6.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 