Have Faith

So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."
(Mark 11:22-23 NKJV)

Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. (Mark 6:5-6 NKJV)

If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.
(Psalms 66:18 NKJV)

"Have faith." How often is encouragement offered using this platitude, without distinguishing where to place that faith? Jesus said, "Have faith in God." He then said faith can move a mountain into a faraway sea—assuredly. And at one time, lack of faith actually limited Jesus' power!

This is consistent with His other astonishing statements: "He who believes in Me will do greater works than I do." "Ask what you desire and it shall be done for you." And, "With God all things are possible."

Of course, Jesus put qualifiers on His promises about the power of prayer to move the hand of God. We must abide in Him, and His word must abide in us. We must ask in His name, that is, consistent with His character. We must forgive others. We must forsake sin both in deed and in the heart. We cannot doubt in heart what we ask for in word.

The heart's attitudes affect God's answer to prayer. Imagine the power behind abiding in Jesus closely enough to know His heart, and making His will our own.

Heavenly Father, Your goodness is without limit. Your compassion and mercy are unfathomable. Your grace abounds far above what we might ask. Please make our hearts right with You, so that we may ask for what You long to give us and unleash Your power in our lives. Please increase our faith!

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy