SOAP: Miracles cannot be performed without faith

Scripture: Mark 6:5-6

5He could not do any miracles there, except lay hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6And he was amazed at their lack of faith.

Observation: Faith in God is what drives miracles. Without faith, the miracles will not happen.

Application: I compared this verse in four different translations this morning: King James, New International, New Living Translation and the New American Standard Bible and all four used the phrase “could not” followed by an explanation referring to the people’s lack of faith.

Had those in his own hometown just had faith (which is a huge thing… I don’t mean to simplify it by saying “just,”) what other miracles might have taken place?

And what miracles today are prevented by lack of faith?

I think He wants us to ask in boldness… and believe in His ability and willingness to answer our prayers.

So perhaps instead of saying “God, if you could, will you….,” try “God, if you are willing…” Then believe in his ability 100%.

And if you are having a hard time believing in his ability, I bet just reading the New Testament part of today’s reading (Mark 5-6) will get you thinking and soften your heart. And continued reading and prayer will convince you of it. (For a bookmark with this quarter’s daily reading assignments, drop me an email using the button above.)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are absolutely amazing. You are all-knowing and all-powerful, even more so than I can fully fathom.

Thank you for loving me, even in my mistakes, and for standing by me even when I had big questions.

Thank you for all the beautiful examples of love and your power throughout the Bible.

Please guide those who lack faith in your Word. Help them to read and pray with a heart open to you and then consume them with your love so that they, too, may have complete faith and pray in boldness.

And Lord, when doubt creeps into my heart, or anyone’s heart, don’t let us stray. Pull us back so we can see your amazing forgiveness, love and power.

Please, Lord, bring healing to our land. You’ve given us many tools to bring faith and healing to all. Empower us to use those tools in your name and change lives.

Thank you, again, for your unending love and forgiveness, and this reminder to have full faith, and trust in you.