The Scale of Faith
We have been given the power to tread over serpents and scorpions and cast down the powers of our enemy (Lk.10:19). When it is accompanied by faith, that power will not fluctuate. But when our faith is compromised and weakened, then many things will continue on their course. Faith can be weakened by two factors: a lack of devotion and the influence of others. Not everyone is at the same level of faith; some are weak, and others are strong. For example, James says that faith without works is dead. The scale of faith goes from a person having dead faith to great faith. James says that faith without works is dead faith. Dead faith is on the lower end of the scale (Ja.2:17). When the disciples were on the boat in the lake being battered by the winds and the waves while Jesus was sleeping, they demonstrated little faith (Mt. 8:26). Jesus came across a woman with great faith. Her daughter was afflicted with a devil, and when she saw Jesus, she went after him, pleading to him to heal her. It wasn’t until she grieved the disciples that he healed her daughter (Mt. 15:28).
Matthew 17:14-18
14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
The problem with having faith on the lower end of the scale is that we will take our worries and cares to the wrong place. The father went to Jesus’ disciples for the healing of his son, not to Jesus. The Psalmist said that we need to cast our burdens on the Lord because he cares for us (Ps. 55:22). The nine disciples were struggling with the faithlessness of the crowd when the father brought his son for them to heal, and their faith was not strong enough. This type of demon comes out with fasting and prayer, something the disciples had not practiced yet. We can take our cares to counselors, pastors, and other professionals, and that is fine. The one who works in our lives is the Lord (Ph. 2:13). Jesus said that we who are burdened and are heavily laden need to come to him for rest (Mt. 11:28).
James 2:17
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Matthew 8:26
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Matthew 15:28
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Psalms 55:22
22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Philippians 2:13
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Matthew 11:28
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.