“Have Faith in God.” These words from Jesus follow immediately after observing that the fig tree that Jesus had cursed earlier in the day had indeed withered and died. They immediately precede the statement by Jesus in which he said, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” Mark 11:23 (NLT)

What does it mean to say, “Have faith in God?” We can understand faith as a concept, but what does it mean in our daily lives? We know that there are many people, institutions, and governments trying to persuade us to put our faith in them, so what is different about having faith in God?

Some people will find it challenging to have faith in God because their experiences with others have been fraught with disappointment. We must teach people how to have faith in God. Faith in God is not an all-or-nothing proposition. The exercise of faith leads to an increase in faith.

Our faith will be tested and tried. We often do not understand what God is doing, but he will not disappoint us. Remember, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6.

The Application of Faith

Does Jesus’s directive to “Have faith in God” apply to the fig tree, the mountain, or both? There are many things that Jesus said and did that can be difficult to understand. When Jesus made this statement, some were undoubtedly still asking themselves, “Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?” It wasn’t even the right time of year for there to be fruit. It must be an illustration with a more profound application.

While some of the disciples were still scratching their heads, wondering what the fig tree had done to deserve such a fate, Jesus proceeded to tell them about tossing a mountain into the sea, but only if they believed and had no doubts. By now, some heads were about to explode. First, it was the innocent fig tree in the wrong place at the wrong time, and then this mountain was threatened with uprooting and removal. What did it all mean?

It is most convenient to spiritualize both the fig tree and the mountain because we find it difficult to see a practical application in either scenario. We can fail to realize that in this discourse, neither the fig tree nor the mountain is as significant as Jesus urging us to “Have faith in God.” Understanding what God does may eventually come, but it is more critical for us to be confident in God even if it doesn’t. If we cannot learn to have faith in God in the face of mystery, we will likely be frustrated and bewildered.

The Help of the Holy Spirit

Faith is not the same as certainty, and we may not fully comprehend God’s purposes. It is about having faith in God even when we do not understand. For some, faith requires a specific conviction of what action is necessary for what the desired outcome should be, but many times in life, we can relate to this verse. “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” Romans 8:26 (NLT).

We would like to think that our weaknesses will go away, and perhaps, in some areas, they will. However, some areas of powerlessness will remain, and therefore we will always need the help of the Holy Spirit. Remember, faith is not about our capabilities but God’s power working through us. We recall what Paul said: If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (The Message)

The Testing of Faith

There are times in life when we have insight and God reveals to us specific direction, and we can pray with targeted conviction, strong faith, and without doubts. Still, there will be other times when we are standing between withered fig trees and mountains, and we won’t be exactly sure what it means or what we should do. We will remember Jesus and his command to “Have faith in God.” At that time, our faith will be tested and stretched, not because we understand the situation, but because we have determined to place our confidence in the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2–4 (NIV)

These verses are hard for most of us. Are we willing to endure trials, yes, perhaps, but how can we be joyful? It is not about having joy for the pain or loss. We have joy because we look forward to the results that strengthen and prepare us for the subsequent trial. Wait, what do you mean the next trial? Yes, there will be another trial.

Our trials and the testing of our faith have a purpose: So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:6–7 (NLT)

“Have faith in God.”

Steve Ekeroth

Photo: Steve Ekeroth, Central Park New York, April 2022