“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32 NIV)

How often don’t we make major mistakes because we misplace our faith in circumstances instead of in God? Let’s get back to the childlike faith we used to have. Let’s fix our eyes on the One for whom “nothing is impossible”!

A simple dog was wandering in the streets of a little town in Spain. Its mouth hung open, and its tongue nearly drug the ground as its sides heaved from his heavy panting. The sweltering heat was so poignant that heat waves could be seen rising from the pavement, and there was no relief in sight. I am certain the dog had but one prayer on its lips: “Lord, make it cooler, please!”

As soon as the dog had uttered its request, it  noticed a stone-hewed bath-like fountain on the side of a home. Looking towards heaven it thanked God for His providence, and then it jumped into the water for a swim.

I witnessed this dog’s actions personally, and as I now think about it, I realize that though its answer to pray may have been simplistic, faith really IS that simple! We are the ones who have a warped tendency to complicate things. We are the ones who have twisted urges to solve our problems on our own.

The same was true with Elisha’s servant. When surrounded by the enemy’s army he uttered: “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15 NIV)

Did you notice how the servant complicated things by asking himself what they should do, instead of asking God for guidance?

Elisha knew better, and he reassured him: “‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:16-17 NIV)

The apostle Peter could have identified with that servant. When Jesus was arrested, he too, relied on circumstance instead of on God. His fear for his own life was stronger than his trust in God, and that’s when his faith failed.

God is bigger than all of our circumstances combined. We have nothing to fear! In fact fear has the opposite reaction for those who trust in the Lord. Either our worries make us fear and tremble, or we put our faith in the Lord and trust that all is well in His hands.

Isn’t it interesting how often God commands us in His Word to “not be afraid”. And for good reason, too! Indeed we do not have anything to fear for our faithful Provider will never forsake us! No matter how big or small our needs, we can trust in Him!

Would you like to find some refreshments from above as well? I know of a fountain in Spain…

Rob Chaffart


(To view the entire “You of Little Faith” devotional series, please click here.)