Richard Roberts
I am fortunate that I was raised in a family of faith ― one that taught me from my earliest years that faith in God determined what I could have in life. Many people do not have that foundation of faith. They mistakenly believe that what happens to them is determined by fate, friends or fortune. But Matthew 9:29 says, According to your faith be it unto you. No matter how strong you may be physically, if you’re not strong in faith there is a weakness in your life that can block the blessings God wants you to have.
Believing God is essential if you are to receive His best. Hebrews 11:6 says, Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Believing and standing in faith please God and puts you in a position to get your prayers answered.
Matthew 14 tells how Peter walked on the water at Jesus’ command. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was fine, but when he looked down he began to sink. When he cried out to Jesus to save him, Jesus reached out and caught him, saying, O thou of little faith (v. 31). The important thing to note is that although Peter’s faith was small, Jesus honored his act of faith.
Just as the dollar bill is the medium of exchange for goods and services in a capitalistic society, so faith is the medium of exchange in spiritual matters. Simply put: Pray and believe, and you can receive. Pray and doubt, and you can do without. So even when you feel that your faith is weak, stand strong by choosing to pray, believe, and receive!