Scriptures teach us that there are many levels of faith. We may ponder why some people’s faith yields while it doesn’t for other others. The explanation is that different levels of Bible faith exist!
In Matthew 14, Jesus was approaching His disciples who had earlier departed in a boat while walking on the sea. Upon seeing Him, Peter cried out, “Lord, if it be Thou, command me to come unto Thee upon the water.” Peter started to float toward Jesus as soon as Jesus said, “Come.” But when he noticed the agitated wind, he became terrified and started to sink.
Then, he cried, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore, didst thou doubt?’ (Matthew 14:27-31).
Peter sank because he lacked the level of faith necessary to continue floating. We must realize that the level of faith we practice depends on how much understanding we have.
The Degrees of Faith
1. Little Faith:
This level of trust is incapable of overcoming obstacles. We must therefore assume the duty of strengthening our religion. When faced with significant obstacles, those with little faith are prone to question. According to the Bible, dangerous times will arrive in the end days. In other words, the worst of issues will be presented to the world. That also helps to clarify Jesus’ statement that He will swiftly exact revenge on them.
Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth (Luke 18:8). The challenges will be so enormous that only those who have paid attention to developing this vital aspect of life will be found standing. As it is written: If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small (Proverbs 24:10). Thus, little insight is the reason for little faith because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
2. Great Faith:
Great faith will always have it the way it wants it. Jesus gave us an introduction to great faith in Matthew 15. Responding to the Canaanite woman’s insistence on getting even the crumbs in her request for deliverance for her demon-possessed daughter, Jesus said: Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour (Matthew 15:28). Also, we read of great faith in Matthew 8, where a centurion came to Jesus, seeking healing for his servant.
The Bible records: And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel (Matthew 8:7-10).
It will always bring about huge triumphs, issue orders, and give us the upper hand. When we grow dependent on the revelations in the Word, we work in a state of great faith. In the face of every life struggle, we become unbreakable. The Word of God is rooted with great faith.
3. The Spirit of Faith
When we start acting in accordance with the Spirit of faith, it is the God-kind of faith.
As it is written: We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (2 Corinthians 4:13).
When we are led by the Spirit of faith, we can willfully command God’s faithfulness. At this point, our speech becomes more natural, and we simply announce our beliefs rather than confessing them. For instance, this spirit guided Joshua and Caleb’s actions. The people were silenced when the other ten spies started to deliver a bad report.
The Bible records: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it (Numbers 14:24).
A reactionary force, the spirit of faith cannot tolerate opposition. We function in the violent dimension of faith, where we treat problems as if they don’t exist, in the world of the Spirit of faith. The Spirit of faith is a speaking faith as a result.
In Conclusion
Faith a growing force.
The Bible says: We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
As a result, the Bible is the wellspring of faith and its source of growth. In other words, developing our faith comes from the work we do with God’s Word. But in order to function in the sphere of the Spirit of faith, new birth is a necessity.
Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Understanding the Power of Faith, Exploits of Faith and Born to Win!
David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, architect, preacher, and the founder and presiding bishop of the mega church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel
