Several times throughout my life, I have found myself lacking faith. Even at times when others may have thought I had it all together and was serving God and God’s people enthusiastically, I have had moments when my faith was hanging by a thread.
The disciples’ simple, yet profound request to Jesus reveals something honest about the human heart: faith can feel small,
fragile, or inadequate at times. They had walked with Jesus, seen miracles, and heard his teachings—yet they still recognised their need for more faith.
Faith is not a one-time achievement; it’s a journey of growth. The disciples’ prayer was for deeper trust in God. Jesus later replies that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains (Luke 17:6). Perhaps Jesus was reminding them (and us) that it’s not the amount of faith that matters most, but in whom we
place that faith.
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to think, “If only I had stronger faith.” But Jesus reminds us that faith grows not by striving harder, but by staying close to him—listening, obeying, and relying on God’s strength rather than our own.
The disciple’s question to Jesus reminds us that it is okay—and normal—to experience a lack of faith in our journey of discipleship. Like the disciples, we can humbly bring
our need before God in these moments: “Lord, increase my faith.”
In which areas of your life do you currently feel your faith is “small”? What practical steps can you take this week to draw closer to Jesus and trust God more?
Reflections by Joe Taylor
