Is faith a commodity or a relationship?

 
On one occasion a man brought to Jesus his son who was under the control of an evil spirit. It was a tragic case in which the demon–possessed boy was thrown into convulsions, foaming at the mouth, grinding his teeth, and on one occasion had been thrown into the fire (Mark 9:14-29). The distressed father explained that he had brought the boy to the disciples, but they were unable to cast out the demon. So now he appeals to Jesus’ compassion and begs for help. In asking, he added, “If you can do anything.” The answer came back, “Everything is possible for the one who believes” (v. 23). The demon was expelled and the boy was restored.
       Later, in the evening, the disciples asked why they were unable to cast out the demon, and Jesus’ explained that they didn’t have enough faith. He said that faith, even the size of a mustard seed, could move a mountain. Then he made it absolutely clear, “If you have faith, nothing will be impossible” (Matt. 17:21).
       So, the general principle that we draw from the story is that faith is the essential ingredient for answered prayer. That leads to the practical question, “How does one get more faith?” Is it something we can develop like building muscles or memorizing names? Or is it something that God does for us as a reward for trying really hard to do it ourselves. Is it possible for us to talk ourselves into more faith as a motivational speaker might encourage? The disciples tried to get the demon out – and it must have been some spectacle with the demon shrieking and the boy on the ground in a convulsion, writhing and foaming at the mouth – but they simply didn’t have enough faith. What would you as a disciple of Jesus have done just then to have more faith?
       Let’s put it this way: Is faith a commodity or a relationship? Do you have more by trying or by trusting? When you read the entire account you discover that Jesus was not pleased with the crowd, with the father (in a sense), or with the disciples. To the hapless crowd he said, “You unbelieving and misguided generation. How much longer must I put up with you? Bring me the boy” (Mark 9:19). To the distraught father he said (expanding from context) “What do you mean, ‘Get rid of the demon IF you can?’” (v. 23). To the disciples he explained, “You couldn’t do it because you didn’t have enough faith” (Matt. 17:20). Jesus expected more from each of them. But doesn’t that mean if Jesus expected more, there must have been more right then and there? Check the last sentence in the story, it provides the secret: “Only by prayer can an evil spirit like this be driven out” (Mark 9:29). Since prayer was available, did they pray? Did they understand that spiritual victories are won by calling on he Spirit for help and guidance?
       I’m inclined to believe that the necessary faith was available had they turned to the Spirit and asked for it. Their real problem was their failure to realize where you turn in order to have more faith.  Ultimately the measure of our faith is dependent upon our awareness of its source. To increase faith in a given situation calls for a quick turn to the source of faith, the Spirit. Faith is not a commodity, it is a relationship.