Can't sleep. Let the rambling begin.
Today as I was reading Matthew 21, this super cool story in verses 18 through 22 really stood out to me so I thought I'd share. Here's how it goes, with my random thoughts included.
"Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry."
{verse 18, NKJV}
Jesus was hungry. I get hungry. Oh yeah, Jesus was human. Sweet!
"And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, 'Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately the fig tree withered away."
{verse 19, NKJV}
Uhh...okay. That's pretty legit. And slightly random, I suppose.
"And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, 'How did the fig tree wither away so soon?'"
{verse 20, NKJV}
Yeah, how come?!
"So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
{verses 21-22, NKJV}
Wow...this. is. AWESOME.
How amazing is that?! Told ya this story was cool.
What I really loved about this is how Jesus addressed the subject of faith versus doubt. So often it's easy to become full of doubt and discouragement. I've struggled with this. Heck, I still do from time to time! The truth is that doubt is the opposite of trusting God completely. This gets you nowhere. Not good. Faith, on the other hand, declares total confidence and belief in the Lord and what He will accomplish. This moves mountains. Much better.
This is what He is saying to us:
"Listen to Me, you saw what I just did to this fig tree; you know what I'm capable of. I'm telling you that if you just believe wholeheartedly without a shadow of a doubt, you can accomplish much greater things through Me! Pray with that faith. Believe and you will receive."
What type of doubt do you struggle with? Maybe it's not major, but it tends to sneak up on you, doesn't it? Perhaps the devil is using it to distract you from the truth. And you know what the truth does, don't you? It sets you free. Walk in freedom! Stop doubting and just believe! I know it's easier said than done, but have faith. God is ready to wither fig trees and move mountains through you.
"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
{Mark 9:24}
xo,
AKG
