Faith Cling

Jesus once came upon a fig tree that appeared from a distance to be fruit bearing.  But when he went up to it, there were only leaves.  He then spoke to the tree saying, "May you never bear fruit again" (Matt 21:19) and the tree immediately withered.  His disciples were amazed and asked how it withered so quickly to which Jesus replied that if they had faith and did not doubt they could do the same and even command a mountain to throw itself into the sea.  He went on to say, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (v. 22).

Based on that promise and the Lord's instruction to "always pray and not give up" (Lk 18:1) we may conclude that if we really want something from the Lord, we just need to start praying about it and not stop until we get what we want.  So, how is it that some ask for a promotion faithfully only to see it given to someone else?  How does a ball team lose a game while a faithful coach prays for a win until the final whistle is blown?  Why does a loved one die when fellow believers have been faithfully gathering in prayer until his last breath?

The answer some give is that obviously they did not have enough faith, that if they believed strongly enough, their prayer would have been answered.  Sounds reasonable enough except that Jesus said, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matt 17:20).  No, having an imperfect faith is not cause to deny a prayer request.  Not trusting God or doubting he could use you in such a way could do that: "...the one who doubts...should not expect to receive anything from the Lord" (Js 1:6-7).  But not being a giant in faith is not reason enough.

I think there is a thing called "faith cling," which I read about this morning.  And contrary to the main point of what I was reading, I believe it is a double-edged sword.  I believe we should cling to our faith in God answering prayer to the bitter end (to the point we know his answer) but I don't believe we should cling to our desire in faith against God's revealed will.

Our clinging to our desire in prayer will not obligate God to say yes to our request.  Rather, it is our clinging to His desire in prayer that insures we receive what we ask for: "...if we ask anything according to his will...we know we will have what we asked of him" (1 Jn 5:14-15).  We need to check our motivation in prayer.  Are we praying for what is best or for what we want the most?  Are you listening for God's answer (yes, no, later, etc.) or are you insistent that the Lord bend to your will?  Remember Jesus in the garden, "yet not my will but yours be done" (Mk 14:36)?

Cling to your faith in God but do not cling to the power of your faith over and against the will of God.  Cling to God's hand, do not cling to your being handed what you desire unless what you desire is the will of God.  Pray for what you want but seek to want what God wills.  Jus' Say'n.