Faith, Mighty Faith
Matthew 13:58, 9:29

Does God really want to save people or is He reluctant, needing to be coaxed? The truth is that God "is not wiling that any should perish" (II Peter 3:9). He is anxious to save, for He says, :"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37). Not to believe this is not to know the character of God or of His grace.

Does God really want to use you in witnessing? Jesus said of the one who believed on Him that out of his innermost being should "flow rivers of living water…. This spake he of the Spirit" (John 7:37-39). Not a little dripping faucet or trickling stream by a roaring, rushing river of living water. Yes, indeed, God does want to use you and "according to your faith be it until you."

According to the text, Jesus, "did not many mighty works" in Nazareth "because of their unbelief." He did not lack power! He wanted to do might works there. The trouble was simply unbelief. Why is there so much fruitlessness in Christians and in churches? The trouble is not with God. Don't blame TV or the tavern. It is unbelief. People say it is hard to get people saved today; it has always been hard! In fact, it takes the power of God and always will. But God will work when we believe Him for it.

A young preacher asked Charles Spurgeon, "How is it every time you preach, someone always receives Christ, but when I preach nothing happens?" Mr. Spurgeon said, "You don't expect people to be saved every time you preach, do you?" The fellow answered, "Well, no." The wise preacher answered, "That's just why you don't see anyone receive Christ." Do you expect God to work or can't He do mighty works because of your unbelief? Right down the street in another church they can be having revival and people coming to Christ daily, simply because the people believe God and expect Him to work. 

Our faith much be in the gospel, that it is "the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16); in the Word of God, that it is living and penetrating; and in the Holy Spirit, that He is faithful and "will convict" and convert as we give out the gospel. I think I hear someone yet say, "It isn't that easy, it doesn't work that way for me." Trust and obey!