Verse of the Day 1/31

Mark 11:22  And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.  English Standard Version (ESV)

Yesterday we considered that many in today's society and sadly, even in the church, are looking for someone that will say things that please them, that "tickle their fancy".  In today's verse which comes in Mark 11 after the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus, releasing that his time is short, begins to prepare them for his departure and one of the first things, the core things that he says to them is "have faith in God".  I like the Amplified Bibles translation and the one word that is added in parentheses, "constantly".  Wow!  That's a tall order and one that would try and test these disciples and all Christ followers through the ages.  It is the call to us, "have faith in God constantly", in all seasons of life, in all situations.

At first I thought about posting verses 22 and 23 together, but it without taking a look at this statement on its own, it is too easy to focus on what follows that whatever we ask in faith it will be done for us.  Right up to the point of asking Him to move mountains.  But even those, no especially those requests require that constant faith.  A key is also how we look, how we expect those prayers to be answered.  We pray and  we expect God to say yes, right now today and in direct terms.  I'll ask this question, have you ever seen mountains moved?  Perhaps you've seen pictures or videos of earthquakes or volcanoes where mountains have moved.  But more often, if they are to be moved  it is with earth moving equipment, sometimes the shovels of thousands of individuals.  Should we expect anything less from our prayers.  God will accomplish His purposes, He will answer our prayers, He will move mountains. 

The next time that we are looking for that mountain to be moved, let's not just sit back and wait for it to move.  May we look for how God will accomplish this, sometimes through miraculous means,  sometimes through the ordinary means of the prayer and help of many,perhaps thousands of believers praying and acting towards a goal.  That type of earth moving is no less miraculous.

If you doubt this, think of the work of a George Whitfield, or Hudson Taylor or Billy Graham.  Think of what God accomplished through people that have the faith in God described in this verse, this constant faith in the face of opposition, that through faith yielded change, brought hope and brought salvation to thousands of people.

 I'll close with The Message paraphrase of this statement from Jesus to us in today's verse, " "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you."

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Mark 11:22-25The Message (MSG)

^22-25 Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."