Human nature loves accolades, awards and trophies. Human nature tends to get focused on self, worries, frustrations, problems, discouragement, struggles, circumstances. Faith in Jesus Christ is absolutely necessary; you can't truly Live without Faith in HIM. Faith in JESUS comes from the Holy Spirit; Faith in the Son of God can grow, and Faith in CHRIST can become Great. Apart from Faith in JESUS' Precious Blood there is no Salvation for your Soul. Doubts and unbelief are the very opposite of Faith. Without Faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is only as good as the object. If the object of your faith is dead, you will have a dead faith. Faith in JESUS is a Living and Lasting Faith, for He is Alive and Eternal. Sincere Faith in JESUS must grow. Lord, increase my Faith.
Living faith in JESUS will never be dead and fruitless. Faith in JESUS gives you strength and joy. Faith is Planted in your heart by the Holy Spirit, and then cultivated, and then Faith grows. No Faith (Mark 4:40), Little Faith (Matthew 6:30), Great Faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28). Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The divine nature doesn't live by feelings, but by Faith. Little faith is worried about things, not about character and pleasing God. Little Faith is anxious about drinking, eating, dressing, and circumstances. She was a Gentile, and she had never been to a Baptist church, and she never read a King James Bible, but she still had Great Faith. The object of her Faith was Great; His name is JESUS. We should never be satisfied with little faith. Faith in Christ can become Great.
Great Faith overcomes obstacles: first yourself, then people around you, and finally the LORD Himself. Rocks in the path only help you climb. You must overcome yourself first; never keep your eyes on yourself. The first problem is always yourself. Never expect any merit or help from yourself. Look out of yourself to JESUS only. Get your eyes off yourself and on JESUS. Never try come to JESUS through any merit of your own. Come to JESUS through Faith in His Atoning Blood. People around you will sometimes be a hindrance and obstacle, just like the disciples. Never keep your eyes on other Christians. The biggest problem is yourself, the next problem will be other Christians, and then your problem will become God; His silence and rebuke. Abraham was his own worst enemy, then Lot troubled him, and then God told Him to sacrifice Isaac.
The Lord's silence can be discouraging; His rebuke can be offensive. The woman of Caanan kept on beseeching JESUS, and kept on coming to JESUS. But Jesus rebuked her, and called her a Gentile dog. But she humbled herself and agreed with JESUS. The Bible rebukes our pride. Great Faith doesn't waver, but remains focused on JESUS. Faith doesn't argue with the LORD's will or words. Great Faith must be exercised, or an evil heart of unbelief will overcome you. Fix your Faith in JESUS' words and purpose, not in your feelings or merit. Let the children first be filled. (See Mark 4:27) Faith lays down at the LORD's feet and waits patiently to enjoy His precious crumbs.
Great Faith is not offended by the LORD's silence or rebuke, or other people's actions. Faith stays and prays, Faith accepts the Lord's words, Faith accepts your position. Don't go through this life unbelieving. Fix your Faith in God's words, not your feelings, put faith in His purpose not others, place Faith in His grace and mercy, not in your merit. Living Faith grows and can become great by overcoming obstacles, exercising, and laying hold on His words. Don't be detoured by yourself, others, or your feelings or circumstances. Keep your eyes on JESUS; Looking only unto HIM Who is the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Do not seek great knowledge or compassion seek Christ who gives us Great Faith. Great Faith in The Great Savior.
And from thence He arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but He could not be hid. For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of Him, and came and fell at His feet: the woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto Him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs. And He said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed. Mark 7:24-30
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped HIM, saying, Lord, help me. But He answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Matthew 15:21-28
