Absence of Doubt (Mark 4)

 If you say, "I don't know if I can trust Jesus very much.  My faith is so small and weak," don't worry, Jesus has a reassuring answer for you.

He says that even if your faith is as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains and mulberry tress (see Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6).  That is something else, isn't it!

Why not find some mustard seeds.  Take one and measure it on a ruler.  You'll likely find that one small mustard seed is barely 2 mms big.

Pretty small, right?

How big is your faith in comparison?  No matter, so long as there is even a glimmer of faith, remember it only takes a spark to get a fire going, it's enough to get a response from Jesus.

A mustard seed, when planted in good soil will grow a big enough tree for birds to rest and nest in.  When we have complete trust in Jesus there is hope and faith.

Scientists say that darkness is the absence of light.  That's why when the sun sets, we get darkness and night.  Similarly, cold is the absence of heat.  In winter weather one doesn't feel much warmth, therefore we feel what we call 'cold'.

Bring this analogy to 'faith'.  When you have faith, no matter how small, there should be less and less doubt.  The absence of doubt sprouts.

I always like the story of the woman who had that glimmer of faith to touch only the hem of Jesus' garment.  She believed she'd be healed if she did so, even against all odds.  She wrestled her way through the crowds and did just that!  She touched Jesus' garment hem, and she was healed!   Her faith had made her whole Jesus told her (see Mark 5:21-34).

So the question is, what do you need faith for today?  Even if your faith is small, much can still be accomplished.

The disciples saw Jesus' mighty power when He said calmly, yet commandingly, "Peace!  Be still!" to the great windstorm and waves that were breaking into their boat and where Jesus had been peacefully sleeping.

Jesus asked them, 

"Why are you so afraid?  Have you still no faith" (Mark 4:39-40)?

Some of these disciples were seasoned fishermen.  Even they had been terrified and felt all would be lost.  In their desparation, and panic, their last hope must have been, maybe, just maybe, Jesus could do something?  But they were doubtful.  This gale force storm was so overwhelming, to say the least.  Could Jesus really do anything about it?  

They were "filled with great fear" (vs 41) by what Jeus did do and the results.  This, of course, is the right kind of fear to have!  May the results of our doubtful faith, bring results of great magnitude in our lives, specifically in our spiritual life and trust in Jesus and all He has done and can do for us, His 'sheep'.

May our small, mustard seed-sized faith grow so that others can shelter in our 'tree branches' until their faith grows stronger and their reliance on Jesus becomes the fuller absence of doubt.

Jesus, help Thou our unbelief.  Scare away our doubts.  Help our glimmers of mustard seed-sized faith become that which grows astronomically and we become examples of faith in You to be followed (see Hebrews 13:7).  I ask in Your name Jesus, amen.

                                            ~ ERC  July 2025 ~

Based on Mark 4:30-41 ESV.

Sing, By Faith, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

See also:  He Holds Me Fast (TT).