Excited Smiles | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Excited Smiles | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jeff Andrews
03/18/10
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

Big faith! That’s what Jesus was looking for. And when He saw it—He would point it out. Jesus walked among His own people and was discouraged by their lack of belief. Littleness of faith was the norm. Big faith was the exception.

One day Jesus was sitting across from the treasury watching people give their offerings. Jesus, knowing the heart and circumstances of everyone that passed by was able to take a spiritual inventory of each giver. There were many rich people who dropped wads of cash in to the plate. But the Savior was not impressed. They had plenty, and those donations represented a smidgen of what they could have given. They gave to impress—not to love God with it.

Then along came a poor widow. She strolled up to the offering box and there was the sound of two small coins dropping in with the rest of the gifts. Jesus stood up with excitement. “Hey guys—did you see that! Big faith!” She was different than the rest of the givers. They gave out of what they had. She gave all she had. Sometimes “big faith” is about what you do with what you have. She risked all she had to love God with it.

On another day a centurion went looking for Jesus. He had a slave that was very sick. Jesus agreed to come and heal him. But the man put up his hand and said no. “Lord, I don’t deserve to have you come under my roof. But I understand authority and I know that God has given it to you—so say the word and I trust it will be done.” Jesus spun around with a smile. “Look at that! Big faith!”

“Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” (Matthew 8:10)

Sometimes big faith is about understanding who’s in charge. The centurion knew that authority travels in invisible lines. No need to have Jesus come and stand over his servant. He knew that once the order was given, everything would be done just as He said. The centurion risked his reputation to approach Jesus because he knew who had the power.

One day Peter asked Jesus for permission to do the unusual. He saw Jesus walking on the water and asked to join Him. “Yes Peter—come on out! Big faith!” While the rest of the disciples safely sat down in the boat Peter stepped over the edge. He did something no one else was willing to do. Sometimes big faith means trusting that if Jesus says yes—that means it’s okay. He risked getting wet or maybe even drowning to do what Jesus said to do.

Big faith is not complicated. It comes in simple forms. It has no prerequisites or standards that must be followed. It has nothing to do with our life circumstances or social status. You don’t have to be rich to have big faith. You don’t have to have a perfect life to be able to trust. You don’t always have to do what makes sense if God is the One that said to do it.

Doubt wants us to operate within safe assumptions and comfortable boarders. Doubt can push against us like a strong wind. And that’s what it did to Peter. Once his eyes focused on the normal—down he went. Big faith morphed into little faith and suddenly there was nothing solid to stand on.

The poor widow could have said, “Hey—I have to keep this money or I may not eat tomorrow.” The centurion could have said, “I’m not risking my reputation and position for a slave.” Peter could have said, “If that is you Lord, come get into the boat with the rest of us.” Big faith always means putting something on the line. Big faith means taking the steps that many would say were foolish. God wants to see big faith.

I wonder. If the rest of the disciples had gotten out of the boat and walked on the water, would Peter have gone down? Big faith is a big testimony that might result in big change in the lives of those around us. Big faith eventually made the timid into bullhorns for Christ—and that changed the world.

Step out over the edge. Take one step at a time. Keep looking at Jesus. God’s reaction will be an excited smile.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.