Acorn Build Up: Stakes (12/10)

Stakes

Matthew 21:19-22
Seeing a fig tree by the road, [Jesus] went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea.' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Baby elephants at the circus are held in place by tying them to stakes pounded into the ground. The stakes are strong and placed deep enough to hold the babies. As the elephant grows into adulthood they are held in place by the same stake. Even though an adult elephant could easily rip the stake out of the ground, they never do because they are convinced that they can't. All through their childhood they were unsuccessful, so they give up trying.

Us humans could learn a lesson from the elephants. We also get convinced that we can't do certain things. When faced with challenges we remember our past failures. Remembering our failures diminishes our confidence and DOUBT enters in. Doubt is the faith killer!

Jesus said that if we have faith and do not doubt, then we can move mountains. Where are the stakes of doubt in your life? With faith in Christ you can overcome doubt and rip those stakes right out of the ground!