The Weakness of Our Faith

    A friend complained to Pastor Gotthold of the weakness of his faith and the distress this gave him. Pastor Gotthold pointed to a vine which had twined itself around a pole and was hanging loaded with beautiful fruit, and said, "Frail indeed is that plant; but what harm is done to it by its frailty, as long as it is supported by such a strong pole. The weakness of your faith matters little provided only it is sincere and is in our Lord Jesus Christ alone. Faith is the work and gift of God, and he bestows it in such measure as he wills and determines right. Let the measure of your faith, which he has given you, be deemed sufficient by you and take for pole and prop and support and strength the Lord Jesus Christ, his blood and righteousness and his precious promises. Twine around these with complete trust. A heart sensible of its weakness and prostrating itself continually at his feet is more acceptable than that which presumes upon the strength of its faith and falls into false security and pride."