Interestingly, the word “faith” is only used 2X in the Old Testament, but it occurs in 229 verses in the New Testament. Truly, it reveals the importance of faith in the life of the New Testament believer that God wants us to have. After all, we are told in the Old Testament: “the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

Several times, Jesus rebuked His disciples for not having much faith. The first occurrence is when He was telling them about God’s care for them in Mt. 6:30: “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”

There was another time when they were in a boat and a storm came up. The winds and waves had almost sank their boat – but Jesus was sound asleep. When they woke Him, He said: “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”

A third time was when they forgot to take bread. Jesus began talking about the “leaven of the Pharisees,” and they thought He was criticizing them for their lack of being prepared. Jesus rebuked them again: “Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?” (Mt. 16:8).

Jesus did not merely criticize them for a lack of faith. He was pointing out that they should have had faith in those instances and could have had it. They knew Who He was and had seen other miracles.

We also could have much greater faith if we stay close to Him and are daily in the Word. The text verse shows us that our faith is strengthened by the Word of God. The more you read and study it the greater your faith can become. Hide it in your heart and meditate on it through the day – and you will see your faith grow.

Don’t let our Lord have to rebuke you for a lack of faith. Also remember that the shield of faith can quench every fiery dart of the Devil. Faith in God’s power to deliver still works!