‘Faith is ever occupied with God. That is the character of it; that is what differentiates it from intellectual theology. Faith endures ‘as seeing him who is invisible’ (Heb 11:27): endures the disappointments, the hardships, and the heartaches of life by recognizing that all comes from the hand of Him who is too wise to err and too loving to be unkind.’ - A.W. Pink
There are many careless words spoken in the language of faith.
You didn’t have enough faith.
Have more faith.
In Matthew 8, a storm is tossing the sea-worn disciples as Jesus is asleep in the boat. They cry out for Him to rescue them, and Jesus says ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ But it is the storm, not the disciples who receive a rebuke: ‘Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.’ (Matthew 8:26).
Make no mistake, the disciples are witness to Jesus’ strong words against faithlessness at other times: “And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?…” Matthew 17:17
But like God calling out to Adam and Eve in the garden - ‘Where are you?’ (Genesis 3:9) - the questioning of faith as an invitation to draw toward God not away from Him. Because of Christ, the invitation from God for the follower of Jesus is always to come, always to draw near (Heb 10:19, Matt 11:28, Rev 22:17).
Keep drawing near.
‘…for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.’ James 1:3-4
Lord, thank You that You do not stand far off, but You have drawn near to us. And now we can draw near to you with full assurance of faith, with hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Help us to hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for You who promised is faithful… (Hebrews 10:22-23)
Drawing near,
AB