How Great is Your Faith?

"He wondered at their unbelief" (Mark 6:6).

Have you ever wondered if your faith or lack of faith astonishes or amazes Christ? What a great question to ponder as we approach yet another new year.

In Matthew 8:5-13, in the story of the centurion coming to Jesus for help, we see that Jesus was amazed at the man's great faith. After reading this account of this man's encounter with Jesus, I can't help but wonder...when I, myself, go to Jesus with a need or prayer concern, is He impressed with the amount of faith I bring with me, or is he astonished by the lack of faith I brought before Him? In verse 10, we see that Jesus acknowledges the man's faith, and as the story unfolds in Matthew, we can see that Jesus did what the man believed He could do (vs.13).

What is it that you believe that Jesus can do for you? It's easy to become discouraged and allow your circumstances to shape your faith (or lack of it). Do you sometimes mix your faith with doubt? If this is something you notice, ask Jesus for help, to strengthen your faith, and to believe more fully. "The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith [our ability to confidently trust in God and in His power]” ( Luke 17:5, Amp).

What if we believed more in the power and greatness of our Savior, Jesus Christ? Just a word from Him can change a life forever. What if we trusted Jesus more and truly believed that He is "able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine?" (Eph. 3:20) What changes would we see?

Be aware, however, that God can increase your faith by using your very trials to define and refine it. This will lead to your full reliance on Him through your challenges.

Bring it all to God, all your doubts, your struggles, and even your lack of faith. Deepen your understanding of God's character and His promises through daily Bible study. Start small, if you must, read one to three verses per day and ask yourself, "What is God saying to me or teaching me through His Word?" Engage yourself in consistent prayer, repentance, and service to build your faith even stronger.

Step out in obedience in 2026, this new year, it will allow you to build your trust and dependence on God as your source of strength and provision. Trust His timing by living by your faith. Trust Him to work in His perfect way in your life even when you can't see exactly what He is doing.

Jesus loves that kind of faith that is for certain. Go out today, be ready to step into the new year and amaze Jesus with your faith, after all He is the perfecter of our faith!

 ^"[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity]"

(Heb. 12:2a, Amp).

"For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]"

(1 John 5:4, Amp).

Father, just as the apostles asked for help to increase their faith, so do we ask. May we not lack in our obedience and trust in You. Thank You for giving us Jesus so we have a mighty source for our faith. May we walk daily in our faith, and may it increase as we enter a new year. We honor You and amaze You with our faith, Father, God. In Jesus' Name, Amen.