“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.”~ Mk. 11:22
Our Lord did not say, “Have faith in the means.” But He did say, "Have faith in God!” Allow me a simple illustration. Let's suppose a husband promises his wife he will buy her a new washer-dryer. The vehicle that transports it and the dolly that brings it into the laundry room are the means. But she is to trust neither of these, but her husband who made the promise.
The means God uses to fulfill His promise to us is not an end in itself. Alone, whatever the means, is powerless without God using it or them. God is the one that brings everything into play in our lives. “In the beginning...GOD.” It is Him alone. Appreciate the means but keep your attention on the one and only OBJECT of your faith.
“Some trust (their faith) in chariots, and some in horses (the means): but we will remember the name of the LORD our God (alone).” (Psa. 20:7). “For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them (means): but thy right hand (God).” (Psa. 44:3) David didn’t trust in his sling or stone (means), but God. (1 Sam. 17) Goliath’s sword was saved back for keeping, David said of it, “There is none like that.” (1 Sam. 21:9) But it didn’t do Goliath any good. Israel put up the Brazen Serpent on the pole that was used as a means to save them, and ended up burning incense to it. (2 Kgs. 18:4) Those broken pieces of the ship, as a result of the storm in Acts 27, were used to get many safe to shore, but was only a means.
Thank God for: friends, medicines, doctors, books, as well as all the means God uses to help us through this life. But let us always remember, they are only means, He Is to be the main OBJECT of our faith. Therefore, let us follow darling David example, “In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever.” (Psa. 44:8)
by an Aged Saint
Yes, Marie. I constantly need to remind myself. We all have short memories, when it comes to this!
Thank you again for the reminder to fully trust God alone. I need reminding so often it seems. What a shame on my part. I praise the Lord for your insight.