Reflection on Mk 11:22-23
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt
in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done,
he will have whatever he says.
What is human faith and what is God’s faith?
Human faith is necessary in everyday life. We have to believe people’s testimonies about Antarctica, for example, even though we have never been there ourselves. We believe that there is snow there, even though we have never seen it. This is natural faith, which can be proven materially.
What is faith in God or God’s faith? It is faith that is bound to the promises God has given us. It is faith in God’s omnipotence. By His almighty power, God created everything that exists; He created this world and cares for it. He created it for a purpose. We believe in God the Creator. We also believe in God the Saviour; we believe that the Son of God became man and died for our sins, and we also believe God’s word. Furthermore, in order to have God’s faith that works miracles, we need to receive grace so that God will show us that He wants to be glorified in this situation and that He requires us to stand in faith and not doubt. Everyone will face a test of faith, so we must overcome the doubt in our hearts. God’s faith is a gift that we must ask for.
However, there is a danger that someone will ask for something that is not in accordance with God’s will, and on the contrary, may even cause great harm. God will not respond to such faith, and the person may rebel. The fault lies with the person who has an uncleansed heart and who did not seek God’s will or ask for guidance.
God’s faith fills us when we unite with Jesus. Through holy baptism and God’s sanctifying grace, we are already united with Him, provided we are not in a state of serious sin – that is, in a state of enmity with God. God’s omnipotence works through Jesus Christ, who is in us, if we are crucified with Him at that moment. When our unbelief and doubt are crucified with Him, He can act.
- What sin can exclude you from seeing God work? Mt 13:58
The opposite of faith is not doubt; it is unbelief. Doubt only needs more facts. Unbelief is disobedience and refuses to act in accordance with what God has declared.
OBJECTS OF FAITH
- What are some of the unworthy objects in which people may place their faith?
Psa 33:16-17
Psa 146:3
Prov 3:5
Prov 28:26
Jer 9:23
Place a check by those objects you feel yourself most likely to depend on. What do you feel is the inevitable result of placing faith in these objects?
- What should be the object of your faith? Mk 11:22
- Describe what the following attitudes communicate.
“I know I’ll make it. I have lots of faith!” (DANGER! THIN ICE!)
“I don’t have too much faith, but I’ll try it!” (SAFE. THICK ICE)
WHERE FAITH COMES FROM AND HOW IT GROWS
Faith
Maturing (2Pe 1:5-9)
Fulfilled prophecy (Mt 24:33)
Plea for faith (Mk 9:24)
Obedience (Heb 11:8)
Receiving the Word (Rom 10:17)
The gift of God (Eph 2:8-9)
Answered prayers (1Jn 5:14-15)
Giving thanks (1Thes 5:17-18)
Confidence in promises (Rom 15:4)
Example of faithful leaders (Heb 13:7)
Unfavourable circumstances (1Pe 1:6-7)
Question for reflection:
Your confidence and faith in God are built on your knowledge of who God is and what He is like. What verses about God’s nature and character have been significant to you?
Verse What this shows me about God
Download: Reflection on Mk 11:22-23
