An Imperfect Faith?
It is probable that every Christian at some time, or even frequently, wishes that they had more faith, a stronger faith, or were more faithful. If, like me, you can identify yourself in at least one of those categories, I wonder to whom, or to what, you are comparing yourself. Furthermore, while there is some benefit with a little self criticism, it is easy to become unrealistic, and that can be harmful.Over Easter, in our online services, we mentioned on several occasions the issue of faith, doubt, unbelief, and disbelief. We did so because it is a topic well worth exploring, and on which the Easter narratives cast helpful light. While we do not know what was going on in the hearts and minds of most of the disciples, we have been able to study three of them in particular.
The Gospels indicate that all twelve disciples participated fully in the ministry of Jesus. He gave them all authority to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom and to heal the sick. They saw the blind, the deaf the lame and those with skin diseases healed. On three occasions they saw dead people brought back to life. They saw the wind and the waves grow suddenly calm at his command, and even saw him walk on water. Yet almost all of them fled when Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane. Matthew tells us that even though they worshipped the risen Christ, some still doubted (Matt 28:17).
Peter, so sure of himself, had pledged total faithfulness to Jesus, but under pressure and clearly afraid of possible consequences, his faithfulness wavered, though his faith may not have completely failed. We note that, whatever he thought of himself after that failure, Jesus did not condemn him, but recommissioned him as a disciple.
Despite the testimony of his friends, Thomas, could not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. When he finally got the evidence he longed for, we do not see an exasperated Jesus, but we see Jesus encouraging Thomas. Furthermore, it is Thomas who makes that extraordinary declaration, “My Lord and my God”.
And what about Judas? There is so much that we do not know. Was he motivated by greed? Had he got wrong expectations regarding how King Jesus would reign? Was Jesus not the Saviour Judas wanted him to be? Was he trying to force Jesus’ hand? Had he grown tired of the Jesus agenda? Had he put his faith in an imagined Messiah?
Peter became unfaithful, Thomas was unbelieving, and possibly Judas was disbelieving. But all had met with Jesus and spent three years in his physical company, which is a lot more than you and I have experienced. So, to what standard of faith do you compare yourself?
The Hebrew scriptures bear witness that even among those commended for their faith, there are men who have ‘feet of clay’. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, all had moments of weakness when their faith failed them.
In the Gospels there are three occasions recorded where Jesus commended the faith of someone. The only Jew that Jesus commended for faith was the woman with the issue of blood. There are also occasions where miracles of healing are linked to the faith of either the person being healed or those who brought that person. However, it is probable that it is not so much the degree of faith they had, but in whom they were placing their faith that is important. The only reference to faith where Jesus clearly speaks about the degree of faith, as far as I can recall relates to the cursing of the fruitless fig tree outside Jerusalem.
To whom do you turn when faced with a challenge such as sickness? By your very act of praying you are demonstrating your faith, providing you have come to God in prayer because you believe that God both cares and does answer prayer. We know that with God all things are possible, and so we pray.
In the scriptures, and throughout history there are occasions when miracles happened because of special faith, but none of these are about normal everyday life. The Bible lists faith as both a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12: 9) and part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5: 22), but we note that both come from God and have nothing to do with the degree of trust. Faith is not something you can work up or try to grasp more firmly.
One of the funniest illustrations about faith I have ever heard, involved a country prayer meeting in Devon. Asked if there was anything anyone wanted to pray about, one farmer said that there was an urgent need for rain. On hearing this, another farmer said, “‘Tis no use praying for rain; the wind’s in the wrong direction!” If that makes you smile, then I guess you have understood what I am trying to explain.
Be glad for the degree of faith you have and bring your concerns to Jesus. Sometimes the only response we can give to life’s challenges, is to echo the words of an anxious father, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24)
Barry Osborne 16th April 2021
