Faith will work in the heart with doubt in the mind

Have you ever given much thought to how light affects our total being? This time of year, Alaskans see the profound effect of the shortening days in the decreasing hours of sunlight, but we can always look forward to the return of the sun and new life in the new year.

God’s Word brings a spiritual light, and as Jesus said, he came to give life and give life more abundantly. Jesus Christ’s eternal light is for all who wish to partake.

The word of God has much to say about light, especially “spiritual light.” Where natural light has more of an effect on our body, the spiritual light of God’s word definitely affects one’s spirit, one’s innermost beings, one’s heart. The word of God, when we take it in, when we get it in our heart, can make us victorious in all affairs of life through Jesus Christ.

I want to share about the light of the gospel that made an impact on my whole life. In Mark 11:22-23, Jesus said “... have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have what ever he says.” In these verses, Jesus is teaching the importance of what we say. He speaks of a mountain as an obstacle, hindrance or seemingly insurmountable problem that can be overcome by what he says in faith. Many people have most likely heard messages preached from these same scriptures, but the message that stands out in my mind came from this teaching: “faith will work in the heart with doubt in the head”.

That statement was so profound to me in relation to Mark 11:23 that the light of God’s word made a definite impact on my spiritual walk.

The Scripture reads, “does not doubt in the heart” — notice it does not say anything about the head. In fact, the word “say” or “says” appears four times in verse 23, whereas “belief” only appears one time. I believe this is for emphasis on the importance of what we say.

“Faith will work in the heart with doubt in a head” also has helped me in my prayer life.

Now, when I pray the prayer of faith, even if my head tells me my request were not granted, I do not give up but believe in my heart that my prayer will be answered. I know faith will work in my heart with doubt in my head because thoughts of doubt, when left unattended, mean nothing, and I continue believing. When negative thoughts come, they are not a sin until you entertain them.

Mark 24:11 says, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

You believe first, then you have it. You don’t pray then look to see if you have it, you believe you received it when you prayed.

God gave us his written holy word when the Holy Spirit inspired holy men of God to write it down. Jesus came to give life and give life more abundantly to all those who believe. The whole world has a choice to see the light of the gospel and in it the glory of Christ, who was made in the image of God, and we need to let the light of the gospel make a difference in our life — for us, and for those around us, affected by the light.

Lavon Barve works with Cup of Life Ministry in Wasilla.

Opinions expressed on the Faith page are the author’s and are not necessarily those of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, its staff or its parent company, Wick Communications Co. To submit a column or other news for the Faith page, send email to news@frontiersman.com, or call 352-2250.