The Bible describes faith as “faith accompanied by action,” not just the verbal expression of one’s belief.

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. — James 2:14–17

Throughout the book of Mark we see Jesus performing different miracles. What’s interesting to note is that before performing some of these miracles, Jesus often mentions FAITH.

When Jesus saw THEIR FAITH he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” — Mark 2:5

“He said to her, “Daughter YOUR FAITH has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering. — Mark 5:34

In Mark chapter 2 there is a story about a paralyzed man who was carried by four men to Jesus. Seeing a huge crowd blocking their path to Jesus, they decided to make an opening in the roof above him and lower the man down through the roof.  Jesus responds by acknowledging the faith of the four men. He then forgives the paralyzed man and also heals him physically. When looking at Mark 5:34 we see a different story but the same healing miracle. In this story, a woman who was bleeding for twelve years heard that Jesus was in town, went up to him, and touched his cloak.  She thought,

“If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”

Soon after that Jesus felt power leave him and asked the crowd who touched him.  When he saw who it was he said to the woman who was bleeding for twelve years that her faith had healed her. 

Our faith is attached to a miracle. It is because of our belief that miracles happen.  In both stories, the power was in the contact and presence of Jesus but also in the belief that he can actually perform miracles.  Our responsibility in receiving a miracle is simply to stay in close relationship with Christ, to ask him to meet our needs, but to also have faith that he will. 

FAITH IS — Stepping into the unknown and uncomfortable situations, uncomfortable circumstances & uncomfortable conversations.  

Let’s take a look at Mark 6:5-6

5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed by THEIR LACK OF FAITH.

Our lack of faith or unbelief gets in the way of the powerful things Christ wants to do. Just as a lack of faith hindered the working of miracles in Jesus’ hometown, so does unbelief and lack of faith can get in the way of the powerful things Christ desires to do in our life. 

I don’t want our lack of faith to be the reason a miracle does not happen.  In Mark chapter 9 we see the story of a father asking Jesus for healing for his son. He says to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” In the same way, we can be honest and admit our lack of faith. We can ask for help from Jesus to overcome our unbelief.   

What are you believing for today? How can you overcome your lack of faith to not allow it to stand in the way of a miracle about to take place? Be encouraged that because of your faith, miracles can happen.