Luke 17-18

"Increase our faith!"
Isn't that what we say when we feel like there's nothing we can do and we think, "If only God, you would make it happen." But I wonder if sometimes we use that as an excuse to not do what God may already be showing us to do. We think we can't do it because in reality, it means it will be difficult for us and it might cost us something...and it might cost alot. But I think the faith God talks about here is a faith that is not just trusting God to make things happen but also acknowledging that God may want me to play a part in making those things happen. And my part may look undistinguished nor may anyone witness my part at all. It may require alot of sweat and tears...and it may require giving something I feel like I worked so hard for to something or someone that I think will be ungrateful. When we ask God to increase our faith, I think God challenges us to live out the faith that we already have.

Lord may I die more to my pride today as I do the things you are asking me to do, no matter how mundane, difficult, or humiliating.

"But Samuel replied:'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'"