(Matthew 17:14-17)

All of us need more faith! The disciples found themselves unable to perform their ministry effectively because of their lack of faith. Let’s be careful not to judge them too harshly, knowing our own lack of faith at times. Each of us should determine to exercise more faith in God as we labor for Him in the ministry He has placed us in. Sometimes, the Lord allows failures in our lives so we will examine our faith more closely. Faith will accomplish God’s work. Unbelief will not accomplish God’s work. Are you a person of faith or unbelief? Let’s examine what Jesus says about this matter.

Failure is an opportunity to examine your faith in the Lord. The disciples asked the Lord, “Why could we not cast him out?” There is nothing like a major failure in our Christian life to get our attention focused back on the Lord. The disciples had previously cast out demons, but now failed to do so. When miracles become common, they are no longer miracles and the power to perform miracles is gone.

Failures in the Christian life could be faith failures. Spurgeon declared, “This was a very proper question. When we make a failure, let us own that we have failed, take the blame of it to ourselves, and apply to our Lord for His gracious intervention. When we are beaten, let it be said of us, ‘Then came the disciples to Jesus.’ Let us make a private, personal matter of it: ‘They came to Jesus apart.’ Let us sit humbly at our Lord’s feet to receive rebuke or instruction as He sees fit.”

Faith is needed for future ministry. While his disciples were still reeling from their lack of spiritual power, Jesus foretold His death and resurrection. It is obvious that because of their unbelief they heard only the bad news. Far too often, we only see and hear the bad things that are going on and we worry about the future. The great news was “. . . and the third day He shall be raised again.” There is always some good news for the Christian’s future! Always listen for good news even in the midst of tragic information.

Faith is needed concerning the finances of God’s work. Faith accepts that in ministry there will be financial obligations. Jesus, the King of kings, explained to Peter that He does not have to pay the temple tax, just like the earthly kings do not have to pay taxes themselves, but collect them from strangers. In the next verse though, He told them to pay the tax so as not to offend the people. Always pay your bills! God will do the miraculous if you are doing your part to make sure your financial obligations are met. Remember, nothing is impossible if you have faith. Peter, believing the Lord, went fishing for their tax money! He had to go work for it, but God provided it, just as Jesus said He would! What great lessons in faith for the disciples and us!

1 Chronicles 17:1-2, 25

“Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains. Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. . . . For Thou, O my God, hast told Thy servant that Thou wilt build him an house: therefore Thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before Thee”

King David had thought of a project he was sure would delight the heart of God, and one that would be the crowning achievement of his reign: to build for Jehovah the most glorious temple ever erected by man.

The immediate encouragement Prophet Nathan gave him must have considerably strengthened his resolve. The one called “a man after God’s own heart” was sure that he had been given a green light to undertake this magnificent project.

So he must have really been stunned when the prophet returned a little while later with the shattering news . . . God had nixed his plan!

However, the Lord’s message was not altogether negative, for it came wrapped in grace. Along with the disappointing notice, Nathan also delivered a promise. This promise set the king to thinking, and soon the sting of disappointment vanished.

God was exchanging David’s plan for one incredibly better. Instead of him building a dwelling place for God, the Lord was going to prepare one for him!

This divinely constructed house would not be of marble or timber. David already lived comfortably in a mansion. No, what God intended to build was considerably grander than any mere physical structure could be. In fact, it had three amazing elements. It consisted of a line of royal sons, a glorious name that would never die (David is still a household word today), and an eternal place with God in heaven.

Notice especially the last phrase. Does it not ring a New Testament bell? Remember the words spoken to a group of bewildered disciples? “In my Father’s house are many mansions . . . I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

Apparently, the meaning suddenly dawned on David! God was not speaking in merely earthly terms of time and space. He was talking on an eternal level, of matters that transcended this tiny globe and speck of history. That is why David responded as he did–in astonishment, praise, and worship!

Are we not like the former shepherd boy–poor, weak, sinful, and essentially worthless to an infinitely mighty and holy God? Is it not utterly impossible for any project within reach of our resources to WOW the LORD?

But our God is the same as David’s!

His character in the Old Testament was one of mercy and grace, and this promise to David was just one of many examples. In the New Testament this teaching is intensified and directed to us personally through the life and words of His Son Jesus.

Somehow it is true. No matter what I am able to do for Him in this life, the breathtaking truth is that He is actually building a place especially for me!

As it dawned on David, it should dawn on us too.

Dear Father, my greatest efforts for You are mere sand castles compared to the inheritance You are preparing for me. My only sensible response is to simply offer to You the sacrifice of humble praise and joyful worship. It is very little, yet it is the deepest and most meaningful gift I can give. Amen.

This outline is taken from a series of messages on the book of Daniel, preached by Dr. Charles Surrett.

• Recognize that God has arranged the situation and has both placed you and allowed you to be in a pagan society. (1:1-2)

God is in control, and He sets up and removes kings. Don’t kick and scream against the society in which you live. He has a purpose for you being here.

• Admit that you do not deserve better circumstances. (9:4-15)

We are always better off than we deserve. Were it not for His mercies, we would be consumed.

• Learn to discern what you can do and what you should avoid. (1:3-5)

What can/should you as a Christian avoid in this culture? Daniel and his friends were taught the learning and the language of foreigners. They received government education and government food. He did not refuse to learn the language and culture. He refused only the meat and wine, and that was for a religious principle. He was not belligerent or arrogant. He was discerning. You must live by principle. (I Cor. 10:31)

• Determine to remain personally pure. (1:8)

You must have this purpose or you will be defiled and impure by default. There must be a clear determination to be pure. Purity gives value to anything. Impurity devalues anything.

Eventually we as believers will be pure, without spot or wrinkle; yet in the present day we must strive for purity. Make your determination to purity when you are not under the influence of emotional feelings and desires.  Purity is possible, but it takes determination.

• Trust God to give you whatever help you need. (1:9)

God arranged it so that Daniel could receive favor in the eyes of his superiors, without going against his principles. God has a way for you to do things right. When called to take a stand, you must trust God to arrange the circumstances.

• Do not be defiant in spirit, but never compromise in actions. (1:12-14; 3:16-18)

Be determined. Take a stand. But, do it in the right way. Daniel respectfully made his request. Shadrach, Meshak, and Abednego were polite when speaking to the king.

• Try to establish an excellent testimony. (1:19-20; 6:4-5)

Unbelievers may not appreciate the stand you take, but they ought to know you have a good testimony.

• Depend on prayer to get you through the trials. (2:17-18)

Daniel had the kind of friends who would pray.

• Give God the glory for your victories. (2:19-23, 28, 30)

Don’t claim victory for self. Be humble. Point others to God. He does not give victory because you are someone special. We are here for the glory of God.

• Accept the fact that in this world you will have enemies. This should not take you by surprise. (3:8-12)

Your presence will or should put them under conviction. They may be jealous. Don’t let this get to your head. They hate your God. Don’t develop a martyr’s complex. If you represent God, His enemies will be your enemies. Love them. Do good to them.

If you are a friend of the world, God will be your enemy. Either way you will have an enemy.  It’s far better to be on God’s side with the world as your enemy.

• Remember that God is able to deliver from persecution and oppression. (3:18)

Have the attitude of Christ, “Not my will, but thine be done.”  The leper cried, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”  You must recognize God’s ability, but also yield to His will.

• Recognize that God may not choose to deliver. (3:18)

As Job said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” The psalmist wrote, “As for God, his way is perfect.” You must still be true to God, even if He chooses not to deliver you.

• Do not make moral decisions on the basis of convenience. (3:18)

This is what makes people become compromisers. If it is the right stand to take, then take it regardless of the outcome. God can give you another job or new friends. Don’t try to bargain with Him that you will do right if ____ happens. It sometimes hurts to do right, but it always hurts more to do wrong.

• Live so wisely that unbelievers can see the difference. (4:18; 5:11-12)

They may not appreciate or agree with you, but thy should see a difference and see that you can be victorious regardless of what happens to you. The best testimony you have is how you deal with difficulty. (I Thes. 4:13)

• Speak the truth uncompromisingly, but not unkindly or arrogantly. (4:24-27; 5:22-23) 

• When secondary authorities command you to disobey God, you must disobey the secondary authority.  (6:7-10)

They exist so that you will obey God. He established the system. Obey – in the Lord. You must not disobey God in order to obey secondary authorities. When you must disobey a secondary authority, do so respectfully.

• Do not fear the consequences of obeying God. (6:10)

Instead, fear the consequences of disobeying Him. It is your choice whether God will bless or chastise you. He is not a respecter of persons and does not play favorites.

• Depend upon the coming Lord to eventually make all wrongs right. (7:21-27)

He is coming. You may not see things made right in your lifetime. The martyrs died, not seeing the fulfillment of the promises, but God is still faithful. In His time and way, He will take care of it. Remember that He is merciful and gives time and space to repent.