“Does Faith Come in Percentages?”

“Does Faith Come in Percentages?”

January 28, 2016

Perhaps you have heard it said: “I just don’t have enough faith to believe that.” The subject could be many things – health issues, financial challenges, relationships and certainly matters pertaining to trusting Creator God.

I have been pondering what this attitude means while relating it to other questions: “Are there quantities of faith – is it possible to believe partially but not totally?” “Does faith come in degrees like percentages?” “Is the amount of faith determined by the size of the desired result?”

I wonder, if we believe in someone partially, do we believe in them at all? My belief in a cause is based on the fact that I trust its leaders. If that confidence is not in place, I probably have reservations about supporting it. Most likely I would not have the confidence needed to be identified with it. I could say that I have some faith in it, but in reality this is not true, because if I did, I would be supportive.

I trust that Carol is faithful to me. I have no doubt about that. If I said that I do not have enough faith in her to trust her completely, then I really would not have faith in her at all. But because I have complete faith in her, I have no reservations.

When it comes to faith in Creator God, I must trust Him fully. If I have reservations about His faithfulness, I probably do not actually trust Him. I would never have confidence because I would always leave room for doubt.

If I have faith in the Word of God, I will accept the parts I enjoy as well as the parts that I do not understand. I might even wonder how some of God’s attitudes and actions align with His love, but I trust Him because I have complete faith in Him. Partial faith would be no faith at all.

Rather than saying I can trust God for little things but not the larger concerns, I need to come to a place of complete trust in Him and then learn to accept those areas where it seems He did not do what I thought He would do. Faith is first about Who God is and then what He does. When we reverse the order, we get into trouble.

Pastor Bill Ehmann

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RECENT POSTS

Disciplined or Driven?

By wvbaptist | March 13, 2019 | 0 Comments

March 13, 2019 The Bible places importance on work ethic, financial management, appropriate use of time, and daily enjoyment balanced with eternal perspective. Self-discipline is a common thread throughout Scripture, with many examples of people who did this well and […]

Not My Concern

By wvbaptist | March 6, 2019 | 0 Comments

March 6, 2019 I admit to being a worrier about things over which I have no control or responsibility. It seems foolish to realize this because there are plenty of things I am responsible for managing – including myself! It […]

Conduit Usefulness

By wvbaptist | February 27, 2019 | 0 Comments

February 27, 2019 I find it easy to be grateful for hot and cold running water, forced air heat (and cold when appropriate) and electricity. I have no desire to return to those “good old days” of my growing up […]

Following Our Head

By wvbaptist | February 20, 2019 | 1 Comment

February 20, 2019 When we think “head,” most likely we consider facts, information and principles. When we think “heart,” the tendency is to reflect on emotions, feelings and impulses. Both are part of the human make-up as Creator God designed […]

Tribute to Maria Rogers

By wvbaptist | February 13, 2019 | 1 Comment

February 13, 2019 This Saturday, our church family will join with the friends of Craig and Maria Rogers to celebrate Maria’s life. She went Home to Heaven in December, and all of us are hurting. No one questions where she […]

Scroll to Top