As we embark on a new year, it would be wise to examine ourselves (Lam. 3:40; 2 Cor. 13:5) and make whatever changes are necessary to draw us closer to God (James 4:8). One area of life that everyone could improve is in our level of faith in God. In Luke 17, Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive their brethren as often as they repented, even if it meant doing so several times a day (vv. 3-4). Knowing how hard that can sometimes be, the disciples responded in verse 5, “Lord, increase our faith.” Although the length of their request is short, it is a powerful plea. Many are the times when we pray for health, long life and such like, which is certainly appropriate (3 John 2). But do we also pray that God would increase our level of trust? Consider these points from Luke 17:3-5.

Discontentment

The disciples were not satisfied with their present level of faith. And why not? It had failed them on more than one occasion. For example, when a storm was tossing their boat around on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus slept, the disciples lost faith. They came to Jesus in desperation, convinced that they were all going to die. But Jesus asked, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (Matt. 8:26). Again, Peter’s faith wavered at the worst possible time — when he was walking toward Jesus on the water (Matt. 14:31). Another example is found in Matthew 17:20 where we read of the disciples’ inability to cast out a demon because of weak faith (Matt. 17:20). They had ample opportunities to see that their faith needed a boost. No doubt we could find numerous examples of our own weak faith. Just as with the disciples, before we will seek improvement our weaknesses must bother us.

Determination

The discontentment of the disciples did not cause them to give up. Consider this with regard to their not being able to cast out the demon (Matt. 17:20): this was a public event. Their lack of faith was on display for all to see. Who knows, but this poor exhibition may have even caused some to doubt Jesus since His own disciples could not overpower a demon. I’m sure they felt terrible when they failed in that miracle, just as we feel bad when we fail in some worthwhile activity. It is easy for us to despair when we look at our potential and compare it with present reality. We’ll say things like, “I could pray more,” “I could give more,” “I could be more evangelistic,” “I could show more concern for the sick,” etc. We must resolve not to give up in the face of our shortcomings. Rather, we should seek healthy change.

Demand

The disciples’ discontentment led them to seek improvement. Often when we take a close examination of ourselves and find spiritual defects, we adopt the “what’s the use” attitude and our faith is further weakened. Instead of doing that, the disciples sought the Lord’s help. They asked for an increase of faith. So should we. When we realize that our level of trust in God is not what it could or should be, let us not give up. Let us turn to God who will strengthen us and help us to grow (Eph. 3:20; James 1:5).

Do you need an increase of faith? Surely we all do. Let us put forth much energy in 2003 to see that by year’s end, if the Lord wills, we will trust Him more then than we do now.

Eddie Parrish