The Power of Faith

Passage: Mark 11:20-25

Point
1. The day before, Jesus cursed a fig tree and Peter noticed it was withered. Jesus said have faith.
2. Whatever we ask in prayer believing it will be done.
3. If we are praying and we have anything against another we are to forgive so our Father will forgive us.

Personalize
The day before Jesus was hungry and he passed by a fig tree that had no fruit. He cursed the tree so it would not produce any fruit in the future. The following day as they were passing the tree, Peter noticed and pointed out that the tree that Jesus cursed had withered. Some would say that the fig tree was representing the leadership of Israel. Because they had turned their back on God's purpose and plans. They were dead and not producing fruit. They had rejected Christ and the message of the prophets, thus their lives and message would not produce fruit. The cursed fig tree also represents the power of faith.

After Peter points out that the fig tree had withered because of Jesus words, Jesus responds and tells them they should place their faith in God. It was God that had the power to give life and to take away life. The faith of the disciples was not to be placed in personal abilities and strengths but in the power of God. Once they placed their faith in God, then and only then would their faith result in change and success. If our faith and ideals are place in our insights and abilities they will always fall short. When placed in God, all things are possible.

In James 1:6-8, we read: "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." Our lips may speak words of faith but the test of our faith is seen in our actions. As we take steps to follow God, the test will be whether we will fully trust God to bring about the results. When God is directing and our faith is in His abilities, then all things can be accomplished. As Jesus states: "if there is no doubt in our hearts, it will be done".

Prayer
Lord, may we place our faith and trust in You as You lead us out into new adventures. May we not place our confidence in our abilities but in your ability to work through us and in our circumstances. May we see and experience what only faith in You can produce.

Created 8 months ago