Faith is Simpler Than It Seems
In a desperate attempt to save his dying son, a royal official sought out Jesus in Cana, Galilee. He pleaded with Jesus to come to his home and heal his child. Jesus didn’t rush to the boy’s side but instead rebuked the crowd’s desire for miracles as proof of His power. Despite this, the father persisted in his request. Jesus eventually told him, “You may go. Your son will live” (John 4:50).
Jesus did not go to the house or give the man instructions to follow. He simply told the man to go to his son. “The man took Jesus at his word and departed,” (John 4:50b). Some Bible versions say the man believed Jesus’ words and went on his way.
Jesus did not perform a miracle for the crowd to “ooh” and “ahh.” He denied the crowd a spectacle and only gave the father seven or so words—and that was all that he needed. It was little faith. Once, Jesus told the disciples, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20b).
Mustard seed faith is like yeast in bread dough: invisible at first, but transformative over time. Like the father, we don’t need to wait for our doubts to vanish or achieve spiritual perfection. God magnifies our small faith into something great.
The father could have been upset with Jesus’ unexpected response, but he chose (little) faith over anger. God doesn’t always show up as we expect, and we must respond like that father’s example: believe in God’s Word, even when it’s without lightning coming from the sky or seas parting. Faith doesn’t have to be complicated.
So, whatever you’re asking of God, hold onto your faith—even if it feels as small as a mustard seed. You might have to walk without evidence at first, but trust that God is working in ways you might not expect. Remember Jesus’ words and confess them over yourself: “You may go. Your [need] will live.” Now, go on your way with faith.
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed-Hardy
