Faith = Belief

As I began reading today I decided that I wanted to go to scripture and search scriptures on faith.  This seems to be an area that I lack in on many parts.  I do have faith that I will someday see my Savior.  I believe that someday the life that I now know will be gone but there will be a far better life after this one is over.  This faith sustains me throughout trials, tribulations, and the loss of loved ones.  However, often times I find myself praying and trying to believe but doubting that  my prayer for whatever I am praying for will actually come to fruition.  This results in frustration, discouragement, and even despair. 

The first scripture on faith that I decided to look at today is found in Mark 11.  The first part of the scripture sets the stage and the second part of the scriptures gives us an explanation as to why this all happened. 

Mark 11:12-14English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

¹² On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. ¹³ And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴ And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

I never could fully understand why Jesus would do this to a tree when it was just not time for it to bear fruit.  However, the last part of verse 14 gives us the reason, He wanted His disciples to hear this because He had a lesson for them later on.  He also wanted us to hear these words.

As we continue reading, we find out the reason for the curse on this poor tree:

The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree

²⁰ As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. ²¹ And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” ²² And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. ²³ Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. ²⁴ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received^[a] it, and it will be yours. ²⁵ And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publish

We must believe that what we ask will come to pass.  If there is doubt in our hearts, we may need to learn a little bit more about faith and continue to pray that God will give us the faith we need to be one with Him.  As I seek Him and desire to be one that will pray as the Father would have me pray, I will examine my heart more closely and look for and rid it of the doubt that lies within.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila