A Mustard Seed
Jesus was unable to do miracles in His home town of Nazareth because the people there only saw Him as a carpenter, and not as the son of God (Mark 6:1-6). He found no faith there, only distrust and unbelief. We know that the Word of God is alive and powerful, that it is good seed and does not return void. Still, the worries of life and the deceitfulness of riches have the power to choke it and make it ineffective. We need to learn the correct application concerning riches, according to biblical principles, so they do not exert more power over you than His Word.
Small seeds can become great trees.
When we speak about miracles, it is important to bear in mind the honor we are to give the Lord, for He can do mighty wonders if we believe in His ability to do so.
Unbelief and the cares of this world can neutralize God’s almighty and limitless power (Mark 4:19)! When I first read this in the Scriptures, I was left with my mouth open. In Jesus’ own hometown, His power had been neutralized with disdain, disrepute, dishonor, and envy. It was like exposing Him to kryptonite. When you start seeing Jesus as the one true Lord of lords, that is when miracles happen. Embrace the power of God, just as you would human science. If you see your pastor just as another good buddy, without due respect, how can you expect God to use him to bless you? Boldly proclaim your faith, and defend your beliefs, for your blessing depends on it. Honor Jesus as your Lord, and He will work in your life. Be consistent in your walk. If you claim that He is your Lord, prove it. Appreciate Him, and yourself, for He has delegated authority to you.
We are all able to work miracles if we believe and honor each other. We are the children of God and He can choose through whom to bless others. Spouses can be used by God to bless each other, but they need to honor each other. Despite each other’s flaws, God’s power will not be hindered if He can find faith in the couple. You may view Jesus as your best friend, but do not stop seeing Him as your Lord, honoring and believing Him with all your heart.
I believe Jesus at His word, even with my thousand flaws, but I still believe Him. When I was first invited to attend church, I showed up in a pair of torn jeans and a pack of cigarettes in my pocket. When I heard everything that Jesus had done for me, I got up without hesitation and accepted him as my Lord. I did not come to Him washed up, disappointed, crushed, or frustrated. I was in the prime of my youth, attending college, and running a small business. I did not accept Him out of desperation, but out of gratitude, because despite the life I was living, He still loved me and blessed me. At that moment, I made the radical decision to believe Him with all my heart.
In the same way I used to pay top dollar for the best liquor at nightclubs, I made up my mind to spare no expense when it came to buying the best Bible and investing in as many books and materials as possible to learn and share with others. I focused on growing my faith and I have never been let down. I responded to the calling I had felt as a child, and the Lord prepared me because I did not have the slightest idea about how to preach, how to pastor, or how to give my life to the ministry. It was not an easy road. Anyone else preaching on a sidewalk outside the city zoo with not a soul in sight would have given up. Anyone handing out gospel tracks outside movie theaters or writing messages on the back of bus ticket stubs for distrusting passengers would have easily doubted the future that lay in store, but I chose to believe Him! I embraced my calling, and I thank God for His unwavering support, despite my many mistakes.
If He did it with me, He can do it with you also. But do not take Jesus back to the carpenter’s shop. Do not see Him as the carpenter’s son, but as the Son of God, sitting on His throne at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for you and for me. If you have not appreciated Him, or yourself, ask Him for forgiveness. Learn to view your neighbors as brothers and sisters in Christ, worthy of honor as well, whom God can also greatly use to bless you. Ask Him to open your eyes to see Him as He really is — the King of kings and the Lord of lords – and to see others as His children, His disciples, and His representatives. Ask Him to teach you about honor and faith and to help you do away with every bit of unbelief.
Excerpted with permission from Not by Sight by Cash Luna, copyright Cash Luna.
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Your Turn
We can do mighty wonders through Jesus if we believe in His ability to do so! Believe in Jesus’ love for you, forgiveness of your sins, and in His Word and just see what happens! Come join the conversation on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily