Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Frankly, some of the Biblical statements on faith seem problematical. They have been used by some to teach “faith in faith,” so to speak, and that is obviously an aberration. However, Jesus scolded his disciples repeatedly for their lack of faith, and He said things like this, that seem totally over the top. This isn’t an invitation to self indulgence, but it is certainly a challenge to let go of our excuses for not trusting God. Hebrews 11 is perhaps the most famous “faith chapter” in the Bible, and it concludes very frankly with the statement that “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40) Probably the biggest factor that messes with our understanding is timing. We want things NOW, when God has a better idea. This very story is a case in point. As Matthew tells it, the fig tree withered “immediately,” (verse 19) but Mark 11 makes it clear that it was the next day that they discovered it had withered, and Jesus said this about faith. Actually, life stopped flowing in the tree immediately, but it took time for that to be evident. All sorts of things can account for what we see as delays in answers to prayer. There is even direct demonic opposition, as the story in Daniel 10 indicates. However, delays should not shake our faith. Like Paul, we need to know Whom we have believed, and trust Him. (2 Timothy 1:12)

This certainly renews the challenge to my faith! My parents were among those Hebrews 11 talks about, because though they did see some fruit for their labors, they didn’t see the massive harvest in Japan for which they prayed earnestly. At this point I am more than a year older than my father was when he died, and I too have seen some fruit but no massive harvest. From today we will have six young people here for two weeks, and a major focus of this time will be spiritual warfare, to break down the barriers to harvest. I cannot dictate timing (or anything else) to God, but I’ve got to believe that He genuinely desires the salvation of the Japanese people, and act accordingly. I am to share with the team what God has taught me, and I am to receive a fresh dose of enthusiasm from them. After all, “enthusiasm” means “filled with God!”

Father, there are so many things that work to take the expectant edge off of my faith. Forgive me for yielding to them. Help me indeed trust You fully, asking boldly and expecting Your answers, so that all that You desire and intend may be fulfilled, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!