“Lord, Increase Our Faith”

Text: Luke 17:5–6

“And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith’.
And the Lord said, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and be planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.’”

Introduction

The cry of the apostles is the cry of many believers today:
“Lord, increase our faith!”

We believe God, yet sometimes fear overwhelms us.
We pray, yet sometimes doubt whispers in our hearts. We sing about victory, yet some mountains still intimidate us.

The disciples had walked with Jesus, seen miracles, heard teachings, and witnessed power. Yet they still realized something was missing. They understood that without faith, it is impossible to walk fully with God.

Their request was honest, humble, and necessary:
“Lord, increase our faith.”

Jesus answered them in a surprising way. He did not focus on the quantity of faith but on the quality of faith. He said even faith as small as a mustard seed can produce impossible results.

1. Faith begins with Humility

The apostles admitted their need.

Proud people pretend they have everything together, but growing believers know they need more from God. The disciples did not say, “We are already strong.” They cried out, “Increase our faith.”

Real spiritual growth starts when we recognize our weakness.

• Weak faith can become strong faith.
• Shaken faith can become stable faith.
• Little faith can become victorious faith.

God cannot fill a person who thinks he is already full.

✔️Blind Bartimaeus cried for mercy.
✔️The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd.
✔️Peter cried, “Lord, save me!”

Every miracle began with dependence upon God.

2. Great results do not require great-sized Faith

Jesus used the mustard seed because it was tiny.

A mustard seed is small, yet it contains life, potential, and growth. Jesus was teaching that genuine faith, even if small, can accomplish extraordinary things when placed in a great God.

Faith is not trusting in your strength; it is trusting in God’s power.

👉A small key can open a giant door.
👉A tiny spark can light a massive fire.
👉A little faith in a mighty God can change everything.

The problem is not always the size of our faith but the object of our faith.

• Faith in money will fail.
• Faith in people may disappoint.
• Faith in God will stand forever.

3. Faith speaks to impossible Situations

Jesus said: “You could say to this mulberry tree…”

Faith is not silent. Faith speaks.

The mulberry tree was known for deep roots. Jesus used it as a picture of stubborn problems—things deeply rooted in life.

Some people face deeply rooted:

• addictions,
• fear,
• sickness,
• bitterness,
• family struggles,
• generational battles.

Jesus said faith can uproot what seems permanent.

Notice: He did not say the tree would negotiate. He said it would obey.

When God backs your faith, impossible things begin to move.

• Mountains move.
• Chains break.
• Doors open.
• Hearts change.
• Miracles happen.

4. Faith must be Exercised

A seed only works when planted.

Many believers have faith, but they never use it.

Faith grows when:

• you pray despite fear,
• obey despite uncertainty,
• give despite lack,
• stand despite opposition,
• trust despite delay.

👉David’s faith grew while fighting lions and bears before facing Goliath.

👉Abraham’s faith grew through waiting.

👉Peter’s faith grew when he stepped out of the boat.

Unused faith becomes stagnant, but exercised faith becomes strong.

5. Jesus is the Source of Faith

The disciples spoke to the right person: “The apostles said to the Lord…”

Faith does not come from motivational speeches alone. True faith comes from Christ.

The more you know Jesus:

• the more you trust Him,
• the more you trust Him,
• the stronger your faith becomes.

Romans 10:17 says: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Feed your faith with:

• God’s Word,
• prayer,
• worship,
• obedience,
• and fellowship with believers.

Conclusion

Jesus did not condemn the disciples for asking for more faith. Instead, He taught them that even small faith can produce mighty results.

You may feel your faith is weak today, but do not give up.

A mustard-seed faith:

• can survive storms,
• can overcome fear,
• can uproot deep problems,
• and can bring victory.

God is not asking you to have perfect faith.
He is asking you to trust Him.

Altar Call

Today the Lord is calling believers to trust Him again.

Maybe fear has weakened your confidence.
Maybe disappointment has shaken your heart.
Maybe your prayers seem unanswered.

But Jesus is still saying: “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed…”

Bring your small faith to a great Savior.

Say: “Lord, increase my faith.
Help me trust You again.
Help me believe beyond my fears.
Help me stand on Your Word.” When faith rises, impossibilities bow before God.....Amen.

-Kunle Solomon 

Ministering 

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t 

Or call +2347051874707

Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com