Measuring the Unseen: How to Know the Size of Your Faith
Introduction
As Christians, we must eventually move past generalities and ask ourselves an honest, surgical question: How is my faith? Is it a robust shield that can extinguish every flaming arrow of the evil one, or is it a fragile reed that snaps under the slightest pressure? Is it growing like a mustard seed, or has it become stagnant and fossilized? Throughout the Gospels, we see that Jesus was keenly observant of this. He marveled at the "great faith" of some, while He frequently rebuked the "little faith" of others.
The stakes could not be higher. Hebrews 11:6 declares:
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Faith is not just a religious sentiment; it is our lifeline. It connects us to the Creator, activates His power, and leads us to our ultimate destination: the salvation of our souls (1 Peter 1:9). Therefore, we must learn how to measure it.
I. The Definition and Origin of Faith
Before we can measure the "size" of our faith, we must define what we are measuring.
1. What Is Faith?
Hebrews 11:1 provides the definitive biblical description: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
• Faith is NOT: A feeling, mere optimism, or a temporary emotional "high."
• Faith IS: A firm trust in the Character of God and a total security in His promises. It is being so sure of God that you don't need a physical sign to act.
2. Where Does Faith Come From?
Faith is not something we "conjure up" through willpower. Romans 10:17 explains the mechanics: "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."
• Doctrine: Faith is fed by Scripture. Just as the body withers without food, faith weakens where the Word of God is absent. You cannot have a "big" faith if you have a "small" intake of the Bible.
II. Signs of a Weak Faith
Jesus used the term "O you of little faith" to point out specific spiritual deficiencies.
• Doubt in the Storm: In Matthew 14:31, when Peter began to sink, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Weak faith focuses on the wind and the waves (circumstances) rather than on the One who walks on them.
• Anxiety Over Material Needs: In Matthew 6:30, Jesus links excessive worry about food and clothing to "little faith." A small faith forgets that God is a Father who provides.
• Dominated by Fear: When the disciples panicked during the storm on the lake, Jesus asked, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Fear is the shadow cast when faith is small.
• The "Thomas" Syndrome: Demanding to see before believing (John 20:25). Weak faith requires constant "proof" and visible results.
• Paralysis in Service: In Mark 9:18–19, the disciples failed to cast out a demon because of their unbelief. If an obstacle—be it fatigue, criticism, or laziness—stops you from praying, serving, or gathering (Hebrews 10:25), your faith is undernourished.
III. Signs of a Great Faith
In contrast, Jesus highlighted certain people as examples of "Great Faith."
1. The Faith That Perseveres
The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:28 faced silence, apparent rejection, and deep testing. She did not take offense; she persisted. Jesus marveled: "Woman, you have great faith!" Great faith is tenacious; it refuses to let go of God until it receives the blessing.
2. The Faith That Trusts Absolute Authority
The Centurion in Luke 7:9 told Jesus, "Just say the word." He didn't need Jesus to visit his house or touch the sick servant.
• Great Faith: Does not need a "feeling" or a "sign." It simply believes in the Authority of Christ’s Word.
3. The Faith That Acts
True faith is never passive. In Mark 11:22–24, Jesus says that the one who has faith in God can move mountains. Great faith prays with the expectation of an answer and then moves forward in obedience.
IV. How to Measure Your Faith: A Self-Diagnostic
To know where you stand, ask yourself these five questions:
1. The Proximity Test: Do my difficulties push me away from God or draw me closer to Him?
2. The Convenience Test: Do I serve God only when it fits my schedule, or when it costs me something?
3. The Gathering Test: Do I find excuses to miss the assembly of the saints, or is my faith hungry for fellowship?
4. The Results Test: Am I able to trust God even when I don't see the results I want right now?
5. The Nutrition Test: Is my faith growing through daily study of the Word, or am I spiritually "starving"?
V. The Relationship Between Faith and Salvation
We must take this measurement seriously because our spiritual life depends on it. Hebrews 10:38 says, "But my righteous one will live by faith." We are "shielded by God’s power through faith" (1 Peter 1:5).
Central Doctrine: Saving faith is not a static mental "agreement" to facts. It is a persevering, growing, and obedient trust. If your faith is not growing, it is dying. But there is good news: the Apostles cried out, "Lord, increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5), and God answered.
Conclusion
How do you know the size of your faith? Look at your reactions to trials, your persistence in prayer, and your obedience to the Word.
If you find that your faith is small today, do not despair. Faith is a muscle that grows when it is used and fed. Go back to the Word, return to the place of prayer, and start trusting God with the small things today so you can trust Him with the mountains tomorrow.
