There are many places in the Bible that are amazing. But perhaps one of the most perplexing is the story of the fig tree in the Gospel of Mark 11:12-24. Today, in our Daily Devotional for May 16, let’s reflect on the lessons from the fig tree and the power of faith.
Daily Devotional for May 16
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” – Mark 11:22-23 (NIV)
Lessons from the Fig Tree
The story of Jesus cursing the fig tree can be perplexing. You might wonder why Jesus, known for healing and restoring, would cause a tree to wither.
The reason is simple: the fig tree was not fulfilling its purpose. Its leaves indicated it should have had fruit, but it was barren. This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of living according to God’s design and purpose for our lives.
The day after Jesus cursed the fig tree, He and His disciples passed by it again. The disciples were astonished to see that the tree had withered away.
Jesus used this moment to teach them about the sheer power of faith. He told them to have faith in God and spoke about the incredible things that faith can accomplish.
Expect God to Move
Faith is not just a passive belief; it is active and dynamic. It involves expecting God to move and trusting He will fulfill His promises.
Jesus said that if you have faith and do not doubt, you can command mountains to move, and they will. This is not about literally moving mountains but overcoming the seemingly impossible challenges in your life through faith.
Today, fill your mind with thoughts of faith and confidence in God. Avoid doubting Him, questioning Him, or wondering if He means what He says. God’s Word is true, and His promises are reliable. Believe in His Word and keep believing until you see His promises come to fruition.
Living with Faith
Living with faith means trusting God in every aspect of your life. It means believing He has a purpose for you and will provide everything you need to fulfill that purpose.
When you face difficulties or uncertainties, your faith should be your anchor. Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and ability to do far more than you can ask or imagine.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of faith and the lessons we learn from Your Word. Please help us to have unwavering faith in You, trust in Your promises, and expect You to move in our lives. Teach us to live according to Your purpose and to rely on Your strength in all circumstances. May our faith be strong and steadfast, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
To You
Reflect on the areas in your life where you need to strengthen your faith. How can you trust God more and expect Him to move in those areas?
As you go through today, let your faith in God’s promises be a testament to your relationship with Him. Embrace the power of faith and live confidently in His Word. Amen.
