HAVE FAITH IN GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Mark 11:22
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 17:20, Romans 4:18-21, Isaiah 41:10
INTRODUCTION
There comes a time in life when all human efforts fail, when strength gives way, and when even the best of plans crumble. It is in those moments that we must ask ourselves: Where is my faith?
One day, Jesus was walking with His disciples when He saw a fig tree. Hungry, He approached it, expecting fruit, but found none. Without hesitation, He spoke a simple yet powerful word: "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." (Mark 11:14). The disciples heard Him, but they didn’t think much of it. The next day, as they passed by, Peter was astonished. "Master, the fig tree You cursed has withered!" (Mark 11:21).
Jesus turned to them and said, "Have faith in God." (Mark 11:22). It was a short sentence, but within it lay a principle that could move mountains.
Faith is not just believing in God’s existence; it is trusting in His power, His promises, and His perfect timing. It is the confidence that no matter what happens, God is in control.
THE CALL TO FAITH
There was a man named Abraham. He was old, and his wife Sarah was barren. Human logic said it was impossible for them to have a child. But God had given a promise: "I will make you the father of many nations." (Genesis 17:5).
Year after year, nothing happened. The signs of age became more visible. Yet, the Bible says, "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed..." (Romans 4:18). He was not blind to reality. He saw his body growing weaker, he saw Sarah’s age, but his faith did not waver. He believed that what God had promised, He was able to perform (Romans 4:21).
Faith is not ignoring the facts; it is believing that God is greater than the facts. It is standing on His word even when everything around you says otherwise.
FAITH IN THE MIDST OF STORMS
The disciples once found themselves in a terrifying storm (Mark 4:35-41). The winds roared, the waves crashed, and fear gripped their hearts. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat.
In desperation, they woke Him up: "Master, don’t You care that we are perishing?"
Jesus arose, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still." Instantly, the storm ceased. Then He turned to them and asked, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
How often do we react like the disciples? When storms rage in our lives—when sickness comes, when financial struggles hit, when relationships break—we panic. We cry out, "God, don’t You care?"
But Jesus is in the boat. He is never absent. He is never overwhelmed. Faith is knowing that even when the storm is raging, God is still in control.
FAITH AS A LIFESTYLE
Faith is not just for crises; it is a daily walk. The Bible says, "The just shall live by faith." (Habakkuk 2:4).
A woman with an issue of blood had suffered for twelve years (Mark 5:25-34). She had spent all her money on doctors, yet her condition worsened. But one day, she heard about Jesus.
She didn’t have an appointment. She wasn’t invited. But she said to herself, "If I can just touch the hem of His garment, I will be healed." She pressed through the crowd, stretched out her hand, and touched His robe. Instantly, power flowed, and she was healed.
Jesus turned and asked, "Who touched me?" The disciples were confused—many people were around Him. But Jesus knew that one touch was different.
Daughter, your faith has made you whole.
Faith moves God. It draws virtue. It brings transformation.
THE REWARD OF FAITH
Faith is not just about receiving miracles; it is about pleasing God. "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6).
The heroes of faith—Noah, Moses, Daniel, David—all saw the impossible because they dared to believe.
When Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, he did not panic. He trusted that the God who shut the mouths of lions would deliver him. And God did.
When David faced Goliath, he was just a boy. But he declared, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the bear will deliver me from this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:37). Faith gave him victory.
God is still looking for men and women who will trust Him. Who will stand firm even when the odds are against them. Who will declare, "I believe!" even when others doubt.
CONCLUSION: HAVE FAITH IN GOD
Life will test your faith. Delays, disappointments, and challenges will come. But the message remains the same: Have faith in God.
- When the door seems shut, have faith.
- When the diagnosis is bad, have faith.
- When the future seems uncertain, have faith.
Because the One you trust is faithful. He is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). If He has said it, He will do it.
Do not fear. Do not waver. Keep believing.
Have faith in God.
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