S - "As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:20-25 ESV)"
O - Faith in God, faith that can ask for and receive anything, is not reserved for a select few nor determined by ascribing to certain theological conclusions. Jesus says "whoever says … ". What he does attach to asking anything is living out an intentional and ongoing forgiveness toward all.
A - I am learning that the "flicker" of doubt is less about what I am asking for and more about who I'm asking. It's not that I doubt his capacity but his willingness. The answer to this conflict is not resolved by an internal vigilance which keeps its focus on a conclusion but on a person, his nearness and his willingness to engage me, my world and my requests. Children don't stress about the how of their requests … they simply ask and stay near. Jesus wants me to be like that … and I do too.
P - Lord Jesus,
The fig tree cursing is edgy to me and my way of thinking. You want me to accept a transformation in my thinking unto the nearness of your person and kingdom. I am asking for help not self-help in this and every regard as I follow you. I love you back. My answer is already yes to everything you have in mind.
All my love,
Steve
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