Passage
Matthew 17:14-27 (ESV)
I Will Rejoice in the Lord
Habakkuk 3:1-19
Key Verse: 3:18
Humility and Faith
Date: Sep. 19, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 17:20
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
First, failing faith (14-18). A year earlier, the disciples had done many miraculous things, but now their faith was failing. What was wrong? They did not understand, and Jesus was exasperated. After all his patient and careful teaching, they were not getting it - they were losing ground.
Second, trusting God (19-27). Sometimes we get full of ourselves, and we forget our first love. Our hearts are prone to wander. It's no use asking why things are this way - they just are. We must constantly be on guard against this. Faith and humility go hand-in-hand. Through life's trials, we are chastened and learn humility. Then the door to faith opens. Faith is another way to say trust. Once we have been humbled by life's circumstances, we learn to trust God, starting with trusting his discipline in our lives. Nothing - absolutely nothing - comes into our lives that our loving Lord and Father has not designed for our good. Nothing. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him" (Job 13:15). This prayer of Job's is the highest form of trust in God. Jesus said the same thing in his prayer: "...nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done" (Lk 22:42). We must learn to trust God and yield to him in all circumstances.
Prayer: Lord, grant me forgiveness for my arrogant attitude. According to your excellent promise, grant your servant a new heart that does not wander.
One Word: Trust God in all circumstances!
