Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 21:21-22
Why are so many prayers not answered? They only go up to the ceiling, because the wings of faith, which carry them to the throne of God, are missing. There are frivolous petitions: try, God, maybe you can help me. But they are not based on faith.
Faith is a very delicate plant, which puts the Holy Spirit in our hearts. There are concrete things that we could believe and wait for if we had faith. The Holy Spirit planted a very small plant and we have to cherish it and care for. It takes some water and lots of sun, so it grows. The largest trees have very small seeds, much smaller than a grain of wheat, and yet again they will be huge, strong trees. But undergrowth and weeds can smother it; our faith can be choked by the cares and worries of everyday life and the deceitfulness of riches. Later, the tree needs protection from insects and diseases, which are the doubts and the attacks of the enemy. Sun and water, which are the Word of God and His presence in prayer, in silence and in community. If we read the Word of God moving it in the hearts and prayer, water is there. If we have a fixed time of silence with the heavenly Father, so also the sun is there.
Belief that God wants to do certain things grows in the silence. It raises in us an irrefutable certainty and we can really trust – God will fulfil His promises! But this certainty will be doubted immediately by ourselves, by other people and the enemy. That is why we must hold this belief! We have to decide to build ourselves on this belief and do not let anyone to rob it from us! This is sometimes an uphill battle. But if we are victorious, our faith gets real wings, and we grow in the safety of faith. There are so pleasant experiences when we see how God answers our prayer and faith brings things in motion!
Thank you, Jesus, you have shown us what faith can do. And you put faith in my heart. Please, help me, to protect it so that no one could rob it from me again! I want to hold it, cherish it and rely on your Word! You keep your Word and never disappoint.
Bible reading for today: Matthew 21:18-27