I must remember that while all faith is the same in essence, it is not the same in level. The level of faith is like the level of a river; sometimes it is high and sometimes low, depending upon the circumstances. The first level of faith is weak faith. That is the kind the disciples seemed to have frequently; hence, the word of Jesus, “O ye of little faith” (Matthew 8:26, KJV). This kind of faith is like a sapling that needs lots of care and attention. It takes only a little storm to bend or twist it. It is not chronological, for old disciples may suffer from it just as much as young ones. It is caused by two things: lack of comprehension of what God’s about, and lack of commitment to what God is doing. The disciples did not lack commitment, but they lacked understanding; hence, their faith was weak. On the other hand, the man “weak in faith” to whom Paul refers (Romans 14:1) simply had an immature commitment to God.
The second level of faith is assured faith. That is the kind of faith that God has underpinned. For example, God told Abraham specifically that despite his lack of progeny he would be the father of many peoples. The moment God underpinned his “hope” his faith became strong and assured; he no longer had “weak … faith” (Romans 4:18–19). Assured faith means that I no longer doubt because God has said that it will be so.
While I can do something about weak faith, there is nothing I can do about assured faith; it is, in the truest sense, a “gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). It means that God has sovereignly chosen to do something and He has graciously included me in the work. When He does, I rejoice. My rejoicing of faith, like Mary’s, then becomes contagious and others rejoice also (Luke 1:44–46). Lord, lead us on to faith in its certainty and its rejoicing!
“When I am afraid. I will put my trust in Thee” (Psalm 56:3).
Daily with the King 