By: Britt Kinoshita
Scripture: Matthew 17:17-20
17 “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.”
Observation: I wonder if the disciples tried to drive out the demon with their own ability rather than Gods…? I don’t believe that Jesus was criticizing the disciples, but calling them to a greater faith. There is such great potential in a small amount of faith when God is with us.
Application: I frequently fall into the temptation of trying to live my life without God. I am particular in the way I like things and am a big planner. I feel that the Lord is calling me to examine my faith and make sure that I am trusting not in my own abilities to produce fruit, but in His. That way, He receives all the glory, not me.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that you will help me lay my crown at your feet each and every morning. Let not my will, but Yours be done. Humble me, Lord, especially in the areas where I feel proud. I am nothing without you, I need you Lord, every single hour, I need you. Help me to trust in you fully. May you receive all the honor and glory. I love you. Amen.