Part Three: "The Powerful Potential of Our Prayers" (Mark 11:20-24)

In part two, we emphasized that our Lord Jesus is teaching us about prayer that's prayed in submission to His authority, His power, His purpose, and His will! Our objective is to pray effective prayers! Let's examine our Lord's words in verse 22. He says, "And Jesus answered saying to them, "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). What are we being taught? The phrase "Have faith in God" gives us two important principles for effective prayers. The first is seen in the word "Have" as if it was a command being emphasized. In other words, having faith is not an option for the Christ follower! He or she is to be certain to "have" faith. The second is seen in the object of the action of faith, that we're to have faith "in God!" This brings to mind a terrible deception that we're to avoid. It's the belief that some have embraced about having faith in "faith." This idea comes from the false teaching that faith itself is a force or power. This is a redefining of biblical faith! Biblical faith is NOT a force. Bible faith is a relationship word. Bible faith is dependent upon its object, which is God. Faith is ultimately unconditional surrender to God! It is trusting Him, which includes believing Him. It's dangerous to believe that faith is a force that we generate towards God. Believing that faith is a force leads to the unsound practice of speaking words and believing those words will bring into your life what was spoken! Unsound doctrine says that faith is a force you generate which acts upon God. Sound doctrine says that faith is a reliance upon God and a desire for His will. Can you see the implications of each as to who is in charge? Unsound doctrine puts us in charge, and we use our "faith force" to act upon God. Sound doctrine puts God in charge, and teaches us to surrender to Him and His will! Biblical faith can never be a force or power. The force and power is of God and Him alone! The truth is, we have no such authority and our words have no such power. Bible faith is the result of understanding that we have no power, no merit, and nothing about ourselves which obligates God to do a thing for us! Being certain that our faith is in God helps to guide us in our prayers so that we pray in accordance with His will, not ours! Because of this, there's no greater resource available to the Christ follower than prayer, through faith in God! Your move. Be encouraged!