Faith in Action, Not Hesitation!
(Habakkuk 1:2–3; 2:2–4; Psalm 94; 2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14; Luke 17:5–10)
Today, many Christians are waiting for “big faith” before they step out. But faith does not grow by waiting, it grows by walking! If Peter had waited for more faith, he would never have walked on water (Matthew 14:29). If Abraham had waited for assurance, he would never have left his father’s house (Genesis 12:1–4). If the widow of Zarephath had waited for a miracle, she would have missed it (1 Kings 17:8–16). Faith grows when it’s exercised, not only when it’s explained. Stop saying, “Lord, increase my faith,” while sitting idle. Start saying, “Lord, I’ll act on what I already believe!”
Habakkuk speaks to a common human experience — the struggle of faith when life seems delayed or unfair. The prophet Habakkuk in the first reading cried out, “How long, O Lord?” (Hab. 1:2). He could not understand why God allowed evil to prosper. Yet God’s answer was clear: “The righteous shall live by faith” (Hab. 2:4). In Hebrew, the word emunah (faith) means firmness, steadfastness, and trustworthiness. Faith, therefore, is not blind optimism but a steady confidence in the reliability of God. It is the virtue that sustains us between the promise and its fulfilment. Faith that waits passively questions God’s timing. But faith that works remains faithful even when the vision delays. As Habakkuk teaches, “It will surely come; it will not delay.”
Again, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Hab. 2:4). Means that when we cannot trace God’s hand, we must still trust His heart. Faith is not passive waiting but active trust in God’s promises. The just man continues to believe even when the vision seems slow in coming.
In the second reading, St. Paul encourages Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Tim. 1:6). Faith is that divine gift that must be stirred, exercised, and protected. Paul reminds him that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. This triad reveals the theological depth of faith: Power (dynamis) – faith energizes action. Love (agapē) – faith works through charity (Galatians 5:6). Self-control (sōphronismos) – faith brings discipline and balance. When we neglect these gifts, faith becomes dormant. Hence Paul’s instruction to “guard the good treasure entrusted to you.” Faith that works is one that guards, fans, and acts.
Again, this also means that faith is not a weak or emotional feeling—it is a spiritual strength that empowers us to act boldly, love deeply, and live wisely. When we neglect this gift, fear and discouragement take over. Faith must therefore be kept alive through prayer, reflection, and good works.
In the Gospel, the apostles asked Jesus, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5). Their request came after Jesus taught them to forgive without limit, and they felt inadequate to meet such a demand. But Jesus responded that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed, they could command a mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea. A mulberry tree is known for its deep, tangled roots and bitter fruit. The image is symbolic: faith has the power to uproot deep-seated sins, resentments, and impossibilities. The point is that faith is not about size but about use. A little faith, when truly lived out, can produce great results. Faith becomes powerful when it is acted upon, not when it is stored away or measured.
To further explain, Jesus gave a short parable about a servant who works in the field and then serves his master at table. The servant does not expect special thanks; he simply fulfills his duty. This parable shows that faith expresses itself through humble obedience. True faith is not bargaining with God for blessings, but trusting Him enough to serve even without reward. We serve God because He is our Master and we are His servants. Faith that works is obedience in action; faith that waits is mere wishful thinking.
Beloved, what Jesus asks of us today is simple: use the faith you already have. Don’t wait for a “bigger” faith before acting on God’s word. Faith grows when it is used, just as muscles grow when exercised. Like Habakkuk, trust God’s timing; like Timothy, guard the gift within you; and like the apostles, act on your mustard seed faith. Then we can truly say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” May our faith work through love, endure in trials, and shine in humble obedience. Amen.
“Faith is not about how much you have, but how much you use.”
BASIC OBSTACLES AGAINST FAITH
- Doubt and Fear: When people allow fear or uncertainty to overshadow trust in God, faith weakens. “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” — (Matthew 8:26). Fear focuses on the problem; faith focuses on God’s power.
- Pride and Self-Reliance: Depending too much on human wisdom or strength makes it hard to trust God. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” — (James 4:6) Faith thrives in humility and surrender.
- Sin and Disobedience: A life of sin clouds spiritual vision and separates the believer from God. “Your iniquities have separated you from your God.” — (Isaiah 59:2) Unrepented sin blocks the flow of grace that strengthens faith.
- Ignorance of God’s Word: Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). When believers neglect Scripture, their faith lacks foundation. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — (Hosea 4:6)
- Negative Influences and Unbelief Around: Faith can be weakened by environments filled with cynicism, mockery, or unbelief. “Bad company corrupts good morals.” — (1 Corinthians 15:33) Being surrounded by people who don’t believe can drain spiritual confidence.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
