WAITING AND WANTING

There is a passage in Matthew that  tells of a situation when faith failed to rescue a child that suffered from demonic seizures.  Now, Jesus had just returned from an extraordinary experience at the top of a mountain where God had arranged for Him to be visited by the spirits of Moses and Elijah.  Peter, James and John had witnessed this great event, also. But the remaining disciples who had  tried their best and yet could not help the helpless child, were devastated at their failure as they waited at the foot of the mountain for Jesus.  Only Jesus could help this little  one.

Jesus told them later that they had lacked faith, that with the smallest amount of faith one can move mountains.

This begs the question, Did the disciples who had waited at the foot of the mountain have no faith?  And for those of us who are here today, and call ourselves followers of Christ, do we not have faith, either?

What does having faith look like?  What does it feel like? Do I have faith that God is who He says He is? I believe I do. Do I believe I have enough faith to heal the sick?  I don't think so. I haven't seen any true healings in the past in which I was given trusted participation.  Does one need exceptional faith for healing?  Or for helping another to see God and believe in God? Does absolute faith feel or look different than ordinary faith?

Does one need to wait upon Jesus' presence as the disciples did at the bottom of the hill?  Do you have to first believe that Jesus is already present?  If you need to receive special power, will God let you know when you have received it? 

I have many questions about faith and faith's ability to heal and help and hold the knowledge of God out to the un-faithful.  How does  one receive this faith?  Doesn't one still have to wait upon the Lord in order to receive it?  Or is believing God's power is in you already all there is to it?

I need some answers, God!  I am still learning, Lord! Yet, I ask your forgiveness for my doubtful attitude.

If any of you out there can lend me some light on this subject, I would greatly appreciate it!

Your friend, Jo