Little Faith

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  – Matthew 14:31

Have you ever seen a child react to receiving a large treat, like a giant candy bar or ice cream cone? Most of the time, the large treat makes anything smaller pale in comparison. In some ways, the perspective of some believers to the amount of faith other Christians have is similar. The big acts of faith are impressive and awe-inspiring, while little faith is viewed as inferior. 

Often, the story of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus is used as an example of what happens when a person’s faith gets too small. Peter climbs out of the boat, starts walking on water, only to become afraid of the wind and waves and start sinking. In today’s verse, Jesus says to Peter, “You of little faith.” While it is true that there are weaknesses to a small amount of faith, Peter’s story also shows that there is also still strength to be found in a small amount of faith. Little faith can still lead one to obey Jesus and pray when in trouble. It is still true faith. Having a small faith is not something to be ashamed of. Sometimes all people can do is start with the small amount of faith they have and let God take care of the rest. 

Where is your faith level? Ask God to show you the areas where your faith is strong and where it needs to grow. Pray with confidence today knowing that regardless of the size of your faith God can use it. As the winds of life continue to blow, ask God to draw the hearts of governing officials to him and that Americans would grow stronger in their own faith.

Today’s Verse: Matthew 14:31

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”   

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Romans 12:1-12

12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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