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Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. -Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. -Luke 18:1 (NIV)

As we well know, faith is the confidence in what we hope for, and the assurance of things we can’t see (Hebrews 11:1). Hebrews is a wonderful book, and chapter 11 in particular gives us example after example of lives lived in faith, when circumstances and worldly evidence would tell us to give up and turn tail.

The writers of Hebrews go on to explain that, without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). That’s all well and good when waters are smooth, but what about when our ship gets rocked…or wrecked?

Our faith and belief and trust in the Lord, His plans, His thoughts, His ways, His promises, His lovingkindness, needs to penetrate to the very bottom of the depths of our hearts. The seed of faith and belief in Him needs to grow deep, deep roots in rich soil.

To do that, we constantly need to come to the living water and replenish ourselves in His Word and in fellowship with His children. To do that, we need to live lives for Him first, even above ourselves and loved ones. To do that, we need to surrender all areas of our lives, including projected outcomes. Remember when God asked Abraham to surrender his own fulfilled hope, Isaac? In complete faith, Abraham did as he was told, and God stopped him just before sacrificing Isaac…and then, God’s promise of fruitfulness was immediately fulfilled (Genesis 22:16-17).

We also must pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and persistently as the widow in Jesus’ parable (Luke 18:1-8), most importantly believing and knowing that for which we pray in God’s will shall come to pass (Matthew 21:22).

Can you do it? No matter what befalls you in life? I tell you, fellow agent, that when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He forever transformed me by opening my eyes with His light. And to Him who sacrificed all for all of us, transforming our lives as we accept Him and live for Him, I know He can do anything. And that no matter what circumstances look like now, I know His plans for His children are good and prosperous (Jeremiah 29:11), and that He will use all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

Fellow agent, plant and water that tiny mustard seed of faith with His living water. Don’t dry up. He will take that seed and make it blossom it to His glory. Just wait and see!