By Jasmine Pang

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

How is it possible for us to see the invisible?

Because of faith, and I believe faith is one of the most important
parts of our walk with God, and in our service to Him. When Jinhang read this
verse to us last Saturday, a lightbulb went on in my head because I've been
encountering so many passages on faith lately in my QT, and I'll be sharing two that have really impacted me.

The first is from Matthew 17:20.

"So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say
to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,
'Move it from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."


Just some background on this verse - A man brought his epileptic son to the disciples for a cure, but they were unsuccessful in casting out the demon that was within him. This puzzled them, and they asked Jesus if he could explain why. He gave them his reply - "because of your unbelief."

In other words, they were unsuccessful because they lacked faith.

To me, this really spoke about how we must have faith in order to accomplish the work that God has prepared for us. Believing in His strength and power, and His ability to work through us can enable us to move mountains. Isn't that exciting?

We can overcome the problems that we may face in school or at work, pluck up the
courage to bring our friends to church... nothing in the world, be it a big or small issue, is impossible for us because we are empowered by God.

The second is from James 1:2-4.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

Trials can certainly cause our faith to waver - a least from personal experience, where I've probably asked/told God more than once, "Why is this happening to me?" "I don't understand. It's not fair." "Why are you letting this happen?"

But this passage showed me how trials may be used by God to refine our faith, and to make us more like His Son. Instead of blaming God and losing faith in Him, why not look at each trial as an opportunity to learn and to strengthen our faith in God as we seek Him for strength?

Yup hope these two passages have encouraged you all just like they've encourage me. Remember, in God all things, in all circumstances, are possible! =)