Nougat 26

Today’s Holy Nougat is a call for us to reflect on what we believe; even as we continue to explore our spiritual gifts.

“The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Great faith

The kind that not only expects the impossible but plans for it also. The kind that opens locked doors and speaks life over dead situations. The kind that is more of a verb (doing), than an adjective (description). The kind that comes from God’s Spirit and not just our human nature.

So why talk about Great Faith?

Well, firstly we acknowledge that in the context of this reflection, faith is also a reflection of our belief in God. Where God is understood to be the Source of all we need and our actions show we believe. So we have heard of faith the size of mustard seed that can potentially destroy mountains (Matthew 17:20); but are we aware that there’s a basic Measure of Faith given to us (Romans 12:3)? So obviously Great Faith is above that point.

In the New Testament, especially the Gospels, we also hear of Little Faith, Unwavering Faith, Genuine Faith and some would even argue – Faith that Heals … obviously Faith, and the practice thereof, is central to our very existence as Believers (which also implies that we have Faith). I contend that Great Faith is accorded in seasons of change: trial, testing, lack and/or distress. It’s what proves us and confirms that we believe despite. My non-New Testament examples would be Joseph, who held firm to his belief in God while in Egypt; and the Hebrew young men facing the fire while defiantly declaring that they would not renounce God. I also think of the woman who went seeking healing for her daughter and told Jesus He need only say the Word. Jesus not only did that; He also stated her Faith was Great.(Matthew 15:28).

Contemporary examples include Corrie ten Boom and several others who refused to lose sight of the prize of our higher calling. In the moments of change and challenge; may our hearts yield to God’s Spirit, so we also may be found faithful.

Is this our song in times of testing?

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May all we seek be found in Christ