The “gimme’s” run rampant in my family. “Can I have an American Girl?” “I just have to have a supersonic, F453 jet pack.” It isn’t just my kids that are infected with this seemingly incurable disease. My husband and I both fall victim to it all the time. In fact, I think the disciples even had a slight case of it.
One day, Jesus was teaching his disciples about forgiveness. Their response? "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5).
Isn’t that something? These were the guys who walked with Jesus, got to spend day after day with him. Surely they had faith. Probably just like my daughter has countless Barbies in her room but still isn’t satisfied. They, too, wanted more of something they already had: faith.
I can understand their request (and often imitate it myself), yet am stumped at their timing. After all, Jesus was teaching about forgiveness, not faith. Their petition seems so out of context. I’m quick to ask for more faith when the swell of life’s worries and trials are about to overtake me, but during the day-to-day mundane? Well, that’s quite a different story.
Oswald Chambers wrote My Utmost for His Highest, a beautiful collection of devotionals. On June 5th he says, “Neither will I in any wise forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Sometimes it is not difficulty that makes me think God will forsake me, but drudgery. There is no Hill Difficulty to climb, no vision given, nothing wonderful or beautiful, just the commonplace day in and day out—can I hear God’s say-so (God reminding me that he will never leave me nor forsake me) in these things?”
It is harder for me to live by faith during the run-of-the mill than the strenuous. I cling desperately to God when times are rough, yet am quick to go my own way during the calm. I struggle to remember that God created me for a purpose, especially when my days are filled by changing diapers, watching Barney and waiting in the carpool line. It is only when I ask for more faith that I find a new enjoyment in my everyday routines.
Maybe the disciples request wasn’t so out of context.
Lord, increase our faith.
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Patti Teats says:
Stacy,
Isn’t it the truth that we seek God in times of suffering and pour over His words of comfort in the Bible. But when life is going along in a “normal and happy” fashion we are more complacent to study. That hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour, is so beautiful. When we study His word and seek His presence EVERY hour, we hear from Him and the Holy Spirit teaches us truths that we need to hear. Thanks Stacy for your thoughts. PATTI