APRIL 4, 2024 – HAVE FAITH

READ: Mark 11:22-26: So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. … whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Jesus is not done with His teachings. The disciples were surprised by the effect of Jesus’ curse after having again some doubt about the omnipotence of Jesus, as they have shown before. Therefore, Jesus addresses not only their faith in His miraculous power but also their faith in God, that He makes all things possible.

God can truly make the impossible possible with genuine faith. Even a mountain that seems immovable in the ground can be moved by faith. This does not mean that everything you wish for will happen, but every difficulty placed on your path as a believer will be overcome if they concern matters related to God’s Kingdom. For with God, nothing is impossible (Mark 10:27). He is even above the laws of nature (Josh. 10:13). Believing prayer is necessary for this.

Thus, God’s curse on barren life and God’s blessing on fruitful life stand opposed to each other. Nothing can hinder that life with steadfast faith and believing prayer.

This also applies to our time. How can you raise your children in the fear of God? With steadfast faith, this can be achieved. It also requires praying and working in faith. Then, mothers can be busy for the care and upbringing of their children, and there can be Reformed education. Even with limited resources, there can be proper training for the service of the Word.

When we rely on our own calculations, we underestimate the power of the Lord, and things will not go well. Jesus says: pray and you will receive, as long as you keep trusting in God.

The same consequences apply to our prayers for forgiveness. These also requires faith in action; we will obtain it when we also forgive others (v.25) and continue to fight against our own sins through the power of the Spirit. Faith demands total surrender to God and His power.

What conditions does our prayer have?

Singing: Ps. 81:9