And the Lord said, if ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.   Luke 17:6

I accepted Christ as my Savior in 1980. From that day until now, I have attended a number of different churches. Everything from Southern Baptist to Pentecostal. From strange to down right weird. But through it all, God had a plan and a purpose. As in everything God does, He is always there bringing you through situations that will finally reveal His glory and plan for your life. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Through out my  walk with the Lord, I have gone from being on fire to being completely backslidden. I have seen miracles, prayers answered and seen things in the spirit world. I also have seen prayers not answered, miracles not happen and doubt that there was a spirit world. I myself have even experienced miracles in my life. So one might think that someone that has seen God's power and workings would have an awesome prayer life, study the Bible often and be on fire for the Lord. That should be the case, but it's not. Here is why I think I have not been able to stay on fire.

The world we live in today is a very materialistic world. Everything we see and hear on radio, TV, magazines, etc. has a "You deserve it" mentality. The media portrays that  everything out there is for you and to make you feel good. In one way, the experiences I have had during my walk with the Lord is similar to what the world and Satan is feeding us. Most of my prayers were selfish prayers. Not really praying for God's will by my wants. As with worldly things. this type of prayer and relationship does not satisfy but for a season. Think about it. Think about the last time you wanted something really bad. An item you really didn't need, but something you just wanted. Something you wanted because it will make you feel great. The anticipation of getting this item builds each day. And finally you get it. Wow this thing is great. But as time goes on, it doesn't thrill you as much anymore. Soon it is never used anymore and now there is something else on your want list. Worldly items will never satisfy you but for a season. The same thing happens in our spiritual walk. At least this is what  has happened to me.

Over the years my walk has been one big roller coaster. I have never found the peace that the Bible talks about. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 15:27,  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7. But after all these years. God has shown me why I have had this spiritual roller coaster ride.

Just as unsaved people put their trust and faith in worldly things, I put my faith on spiritual things. My faith was focused on the wrong things (works). God does for us because of our faith in the right thing. Hebrews 12:2 says Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.... Our faith should be in Jesus. He is the beginning of our faith. He is the reason for faith. ...who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Our faith should be set on Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. If the focus of our faith is on Jesus and the finished work of the cross, we  will have the peace that is promised to us. Then our desire will change from our wants to His will. When our faith is focused on Jesus and the finished work of the cross, then our needs will be met. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19.  Then our prayers will be answered, miracles will happen etc.

One other thing about faith, We have all heard the term "men of mighty faith". The last part of what God has shown me is that you don't have to have "mighty" faith to have the promises of God. Luke 17:6 and Matthew 17:20 speaks of having faith of a mustard seed. When our faith, as little as it may be, is focused in the right direction for the right reason, then our lives will be totally changed. Our faith may only be as a mustard seed. But when the seed is planted, it takes root, sprouts, and grows into a mighty plant that can then be used as God intended.

So if your life is like mine, or if you don't  have the peace God promises, then maybe you should look at what your faith is really in. Take some time and think about what I have said here. Ask God  to give you the  mustard seed faith that I wrote about here. Take your mustard seed and plant it in the most fertile soil there is. Plant it at the cross. Watch it grow and bloom into what God wants it to be.

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