Matthew 16:8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

Finish this sentence: “I can’t find it within myself to…..”

If you are like me and I am sure many are, you have uttered these words about something. It is only natural. That’s the natural man/woman talking. Maybe you put it a little different but the sentiment is still the same.

Somewhere in the vast experiences of shoulda, woulda, coulda, lays a deep seeded sense of self and it doesn’t always have to be attached to guilt, denial, or regret. Sometimes you are just being honest with yourself.

What I want to attach to this moment of introspection is that accusing bit of scripture which addresses “O ye of little faith.” We do ourselves a great injustice to attach these moments to our faith life. What Jesus is saying to His disciples here is; “Why look within yourself for that which comes from above?”

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith is initiated by God. It does not start with us, nor does it end with us. If we look for it within ourselves, we will not find it.

Hebrews 12:2a Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

It is vanity to think we can manufacture faith.

Matthew 28:16-17 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

The eleven were told where to show up. They showed up for Jesus and that wasn’t enough.

The eleven saw Jesus and worshipped Him and that was not enough.

Some doubted but it does not say how many or what they doubted. That is not enough.

To search the scriptures for relevant meaning, to read the Word of God and to know this passage is speaking to me, means that doubt has to be removed. Disciples show up to hear our pastors preach the Word every Sunday. Disciples show up every Sunday and worship God. But it is not enough.

I have heard many say with all sincerity that the miracles of the Apostles are over. They say with sincere conviction that God’s will cannot be frustrated and there is nothing they can or cannot do to alter God’s sovereignty over His people. Sincerity isn’t enough.

Romans 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

A believer’s doubt is not about who Christ is or the power of the Holy Spirit, or the will of God, but in ourselves. We are unworthy. That fact has been well established, it has also been well established that our unworthiness doesn’t stop God from being God.

How will you ever know what your faith will do if you don’t obey it? The revelation of the mystery of Christ in you is made know by obeying faith.

Faith obeyed removes doubt.