This is simple. To gain strength we must strain against increasingly more pressure. To gain mental acuity we must tackle increasingly more complex puzzles. To build character we must overcome increasingly difficult internal and external conflicts.

Normal people agree that this is the way of growth for all people. There's no way around it.

Strangely, an astounding number of these same folks dramatically depart from this common sense when applied to matters of faith.

For so long we've been taught that apart from Me (Christ) you can do nothing. That's where it stops. So they imagine that if God wants them to do this or that, He'll either jump inside them and do it, or pave the way so it's as easy as possible. It’s as though the ease of a thing is confirmation that it’s God’s will. What is the value to others of something that costs you so little? Or, even to yourself?

Recall that He who said this, apart from Me you can do nothing, also said, truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

Oh but that’s hyperbole, you say. Well it only seems like an exaggeration to those who’ve set a very low bar on what Jesus can do through anyone determined to trust Him. Jesus frequently asserts this certainty, All things are possible to him who believes. This persistent, emphatic declaration leads to a reality almost too difficult to absorb - that His promise is even greater than the seeming exaggeration. He’s only using an inadequate language to express what no words can. I paraphrase, “People, trust Me and go for this. I’m telling you there are no limits!”

Take Paul's frequently quoted (yet under-believed) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Can we assume he actually meant it?

Paul likens himself to a boxer, buffeting his body. He trains to run the race and strains to win the prize. He presses on to lay hold of that for which he was laid hold of. Yes, he was knocked off his horse and given a particular calling from God. But it sure doesn’t look like he’s coasting through this walk of faith. Few knew better than Paul that his whole salvation was God’s gift. Few worked harder to assimilate, realize and manifest that salvation. They are not in conflict.

Let's don't highlight this: apart from Christ we can do nothing, at the expense of its preceding clause, he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit.

BULLHORN ALERT: We are not apart from Christ!

Hallelujah! Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do. Jn 14:11

These promises for fruitful, productive, living faith are for you and me. In Him we can do what is impossible for mere men. We cannot earn something we already have. So, let’s quit with the 'works' baloney. But, since the almighty Treasure is in us, we must engage all our faculties, put off every entanglement (every excuse) and press on from faith to faith.

Is there a day that goes by in which you do not encounter someone who needs a touch from God? Through whose hand shall He touch them? Breakthroughs of faith open to hot desire fueled by bold, persistent pursuit. We’re guaranteed nothing without it.

Yes, faith is a muscle. Let's add some weight to that bar.