The Seed of Faith

It is said “Great faith is the result of great battles.” I can say with absolute confidence that is true. I am not saying I am a man of great faith, but I do know I am a man with faith in a great God. I learned years ago it is not the greatness of one’s faith that matters, but the greatness of the One that faith is in. 

In the early days of my Christian walk I only had a small seed of faith. The statement of Jesus regarding faith the size of a mustard seed was so encouraging to me (and still is). Like the disciples, I asked Jesus to increase my faith. 

Because I knew the faith I did have was a gift from God, I assumed I should ask him to increase it. He soon began answering my prayer, but not in the way I had anticipated.

And so, class began…

Walking Through Fear

Denice and I had one car and we both worked. Our one car broke down, which meant I had to get it repaired immediately or there would be no income.

A friend helped me get it to a repair shop. On the way he told me someone he knew had the same issue with his car and it wound up costing hundreds of dollars, which we in no way had. But we also had no other means of transportation.

After checking out our car the mechanic said it did not look good and was going to take a while. He told me to come back later that afternoon. I informed him I had no way to get anywhere so I would have to wait. He told me I could wait in the office. But I decided to go somewhere I could pray.

Denice and I lived hand to mouth, It took all we earned to pay bills. We had no money to our name, no credit cards, and only a few dollars in cash. I know, I know, I know! What was I doing having the car repaired when we had only a little money? Because I had to. I did not have a choice. We had to have a car so we could get to our jobs and make a living. 

Before I took our car to the shop I prayed and told the Lord what I was doing; that I was trusting him to make a way for us. So, instead of sitting in the little office I started walking down the street talking to the Lord.

Everything in me wanted to beg God for his help, but we had already talked about the situation, so I knew I did not need to beg, I needed to believe. Which can be easier said than done, but it must be done if we want victory…and if we want our faith to grow.

A voice was shouting in my head telling me this was a stupid decision. A scene kept playing in my mind of the mechanic handing me a bill for several hundred dollars and then telling me he was keeping my car until the bill was paid.

Fear walked with me down that street ready to pounce on me and drive all hope from my heart.

Against all that was reasonable and sensible in the natural, and against all the feelings that were flooding me, I lifted my hands as high as I could as I thanked God for his faithfulness and goodness. I sang the few worship songs I knew and quoted all the Bible verses I knew, which at that time were not a lot. 

Miles passed as I walked and praised God. The people in the cars passing by probably thought either a drunk or crazy person was loose on the street. It’s amazing a police car did not stop and check me out.

Before I knew it several hours had passed. As I made my way back, anxiety and fear would flood over me, which was my signal to raise my hands and thank God for his provision and favor. As soon as I did I could feel that little seed of faith rise to its feet and stand between me and my adversaries that were shouting at me.

I discovered the faith of God in us is far greater than the problems that assail us, no matter how great and fearful they may appear and no matter how small our faith my seem.

A Fifty-Cent Miracle

I can see now in my mind’s eye so clearly that repair shop as I was about to step back on to the property. I remember the entire scene and my feelings. I say that because that step was very important to me. I was determined that when I put my foot back on that property it would be as a victor, not as a defeated victim. 

Straightening my posture, squaring my shoulders, and lifting my head high, I headed towards the bay where my car was.

As I stepped in the mechanic looked at me and said, “She’s fixed and runs great.” Handing me the keys, he said, “Get in and fire her up.” Which I did. She fired right up and purred like a kitten.

Getting out I looked him in the eye and asked (as calmly and confidently as I could), “So, what do I owe you?” With a huge smile he asked, “Do you have fifty cents?”

It took me a moment to gather my thoughts wanting to make sure what I heard. “What do you mean?” I asked. “It’s all I want for this job son. Give me fifty cents and we will be fine. You do have fifty cents, don’t you?” “Yes sir, I have fifty cents!”

Reaching into my pocket I pulled out two quarters and gave them to him. When I handed them to him, he said, “Thank you.” To which I said, “No, thank you sir.”

I cannot express adequately to you all I felt as I pulled out of that shop and headed home. The sweet taste of victory and answered prayer filled my soul, but something even greater…an understanding of how the seed of faith God had given me could grow and become greater. 

The Holy Spirit seem to whisper to me, “This is just the beginning.” And so it was.

Faith Forged in Struggle

The battles we face in life are not a sign that something is wrong with our faith or our walk with God (unless we are in disobedience, then repentance is the key). On the contrary they are a witness to the fact that inside of us abides the faith of God…a faith that has been developed, not in a classroom, but on the battlefields of our life and in the struggles we have faced and face now.

That which has sought to break you will serve as that which strengthens you. No boxer becomes a champion by shadow boxing, but by facing challengers. Each better than the last. 

Something was proven to me that day – that faith only grows from facing the tests of life, that… great faith is the result of great battles. They are the reason we need faith; the reason God has given us faith. So, we can win in the battles of life, and that gives Him great pleasure. 

Your faith will work for you!