“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17.20
Faith matters. Why? Because faith is our hope in Jesus who is the Savior of the world. Hebrews 11.1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Faith is important for our Lenten journey. It’s a journey moving towards the cross. It’s a journey in which we go “up” to Jerusalem. Up to the holy city, spiritually speaking, in which we meet with God. It’s a journey in which we walk by faith, “certain of what we do not see.” It’s a journey along the Via Dolorosa, the way of the cross.
In Matthew 17 Jesus speaks about faith. He is speaking to his disciples about a demon they failed to cast out of person. And they are asking him why could they not do this? Jesus said, “Because you have so little faith.” Then Jesus goes on to make an analogy, which has many interpretations, but which point is the same — “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” Then he concludes by saying, “Nothing will be impossible for you.”
If Lent is a journey toward Jesus, toward the cross, then we certainly will face obstacles along the way. Satan, sin and selfishness will drive us to disobedience. Believe me, I know! But is this because we have so little faith that we give in to our evil desires and wicked behavior? If only we had faith as small as the smallest of seeds, then “nothing will be impossible” for us.
The Lenten journey is in full swing for some, going to Lenten luncheons, faithfully following daily rituals of prayer, spiritual disciplines and worship. For others, it’s a reminder that we are on a journey towards sanctification. Our salvation is secure in Jesus but our own personal holiness is an offering we give to the Lord each and every day.
Walk by faith, not by sight. Turn from sin and toward a Savior who loves you, who promises you faith and who redeems you’re soul today.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me and for allowing me to find faith in you. I believe in your word. I confess you are my God. Forgive me for my sins and renew by heart for you. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen