How Much Faith is Enough?
Bob Yandian
Faith is a subject often misunderstood and sometimes even misrepresented. How much faith do you need? Is there ever a time when you require more faith to face the challenges in your life? Jesus addressed these very questions with His disciples, and I want to take you to the Word of God to find the answers.
The Measure of Faith
Romans 12:3 tells us that God has given to every believer "the measure of faith." It is not an undefined amount, nor does one person receive more faith than another. The moment you were born again, you received a portion of faith—a mustard seed-sized faith. And that mustard seed is all you need!
Many times, when we face difficulties, our first reaction is, "Lord, I need more faith!" The disciples thought the same way. In Luke 17:5-6, they asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responded not by giving them more faith but by telling them that even faith as small as a mustard seed could uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea. The issue is not about needing more faith; it is about using the faith you already have.
The Power of Mustard Seed Faith
A mustard seed is incredibly small, yet Jesus said that even this tiny measure of faith has the power to move obstacles. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His disciples, "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." The problem is not that we lack faith; it is that we allow unbelief to hinder the faith we already possess.
The example of a mustard seed is profound. In the natural, a mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds, but it grows into a tree where birds can rest in its branches. Jesus used this comparison to show that faith, though small in appearance, holds great potential when planted and nurtured. Faith is not stagnant; it is active and dynamic when exercised.
Unbelief: The Real Issue
In Matthew 17, Jesus’ disciples tried to cast out a demon but failed. They were confused because they had cast out demons before. When they asked Jesus why they couldn’t do it this time, He answered, "Because of your unbelief." Not because their faith was too small, but because unbelief was interfering with their faith.
Faith and unbelief are in a constant battle. It is not about increasing faith but removing unbelief. Unbelief comes from fear, doubt, and over-reliance on our senses. This kind of unbelief is removed through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). Fasting and prayer focus our attention on God, quiet our flesh, and strengthen our faith by eliminating distractions.
It is important to recognize the different kinds of unbelief. Some unbelief comes from ignorance—simply not knowing what God’s Word says about a matter. Other unbelief comes from misinformation—believing wrong teachings or doctrines that limit the power of faith. Lastly, some unbelief arises from a heart that is distracted by the cares of this world. To overcome unbelief, we must feed our spirits with the truth of God’s Word and starve our doubts by refusing to focus on negative circumstances.
Using What You Already Have
If mustard seed-sized faith can save you, it can also bring you victory in every situation. Faith is not about volume—it is about trust. The same faith that moved you from Satan’s kingdom to God’s kingdom, from eternal death to eternal life, is the faith that can heal, deliver, and provide for you.
Think about the story of Peter walking on water. When Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus, he was operating in faith. But the moment he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Jesus immediately caught him and said, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). Peter’s faith was sufficient to walk on water, but doubt and unbelief caused him to falter.
This is the same lesson Jesus teaches us today. We often start in faith, but when we let the distractions of life cloud our focus, unbelief creeps in and hinders our ability to receive from God. The good news is that we can refocus on God’s promises and see His power work in our lives.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Faith and Eliminate Unbelief
Spend time in the Word – Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." The more you immerse yourself in Scripture, the stronger your faith becomes.
Pray and fast – Prayer strengthens our spiritual connection with God, and fasting helps eliminate distractions that fuel unbelief.
Surround yourself with believers – Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Fellowship with strong believers helps encourage and build your faith.
Speak faith-filled words – Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Speak words that align with God’s promises rather than words of doubt.
Take action on your faith – James 2:26 says, "Faith without works is dead." Step out in faith and trust that God will honor His Word.
Faith Is Enough
So, how much faith is enough? The faith you already have! You don’t need more faith—you need to use what you’ve been given, unhindered by unbelief.
Just as Jesus encouraged His disciples, I encourage you today: Use the faith God has given you. Let go of fear, doubt, and unbelief, and trust that the same faith that saved you is enough to bring victory in every area of your life.
