Video link: Why Our Faith Isn't Producing Financial Breakthroughs
Why Our Faith Isn't Producing Financial Breakthroughs
(Our faith must produce action)
In Matthew 17:18-27, the disciples experienced failure. They could not deliver the demon-possessed boy, but they did something important: they asked Jesus why they had failed.
1. WE DO NOT QUESTION OUR FAILURES
Matthew 17:19: “Why could we not cast it out?”
The disciples did not simply accept failure. They went privately to Jesus and asked, “Why?”
But spiritual maturity requires us to examine ourselves.
Prayer should not only ask God to change our circumstances; prayer should also ask God to change us.
2. WE HAVE PRAYER WITHOUT MOUNTAIN-MOVING FAITH
Jesus
told His disciples: “Because
of your lack of faith.”
—Matthew
17:20
Jesus connected faith with action. He spoke about speaking to the mountain and exercising the faith God has given us. He also spoke about prayer and fasting.
We pray to God, but sometimes fail to speak to the mountains.
Faith is not passive. Faith says: “I believe God—and therefore I will act on what He has instructed me to do.”
3. WE DESIRE SUCCESS WITHOUT PAYING THE COST
Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer, die, and rise again.
The disciples became sorrowful because they saw the cost but did not yet understand the purpose. But there is usually a cost attached to meaningful progress.
Sometimes we want the harvest without planting the seed.
4. WE EVADE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Matthew 17:24–26 deals with the issue of the temple tax. Jesus did not use His spiritual position as an excuse to evade His responsibility.
We must also be responsible citizens, workers, parents, leaders, and stewards.
Sometimes the financial problem is not that God has failed to provide. Sometimes the problem is that we have failed to manage what He has provided.
5. WE FAIL TO USE THE SKILLS AND RESOURCES WE ALREADY HAVE
Jesus
told Peter: “Go
to the sea and cast a hook.”
—Matthew
17:27
The miracle did not begin with something Peter did not possess.
It began with something already in his hand.
GOD CAN USE WHAT WE HAVE TO PROVIDE WHAT WE LACK.
Do not despise what you already possess.
You may be praying for a new opportunity while ignoring the opportunity already in your hand.
6. WE DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE PEOPLE GOD MAY USE TO HELP US
Jesus told Peter to take the first fish that came up. Peter needed discernment to recognize where the provision would come from.
We should ask God for wisdom to recognize the right relationships, partnerships, mentors, customers, supporters, and opportunities.
Ask God for discernment to recognize the people and opportunities connected to your assignment.
7. WE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DRAW OUT THE RESOURCES
Peter had to open the fish's mouth and take the coin. The resource was there, but Peter still had to act.
Habakkuk 2:2 says: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
There is a difference between merely asking people for help and clearly communicating a God-given vision.
We must never manipulate people into giving. But we should learn to communicate our vision clearly and honestly.
8. WE USE GOD'S RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL PURPOSES
Jesus
told Peter: “Give
it to them for Me and for yourself.”
—Matthew
17:27. The money had a purpose.
NOT EVERYTHING THAT COMES INTO OUR HANDS BELONGS TO US FOR PERSONAL CONSUMPTION.
When people entrust resources to us for a particular purpose, we must use those resources faithfully.
Church money should be used for its intended purpose. Project funds should be used for the project.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
