Matthew 13:58 (NIV)

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Faith does not get God to do what you want. Faith is entering into what God has already
provided. Everything in the spiritual realm is already in proper order; nothing more needs to
be created. For instance, Jesus has already done everything necessary for every person to
be saved (Heb. 7:27; 9:26). The Holy Spirit is inviting everyone to get in on this. It is simply
coming to a place of surrender to God's plan and believing/accepting it.
When we are under pressure or in doubt (unbelief), 'thy will be done' can seem like giving
uphaving to settle for something we don't really want. Our mind goes to when Jesus said
that and he was crucified while we may not remember, it was 'for the joy set before him' (Heb.
12:2) that he accepted the Father's plan. Our doubting God's goodness causes us to draw
backto feel the benefits (Ps. 103:3-5) are hard to obtain. We are not seeing clearly but
through our experiences and carnal reasoning. Facts are being entertained instead of truth
being embraced.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really
my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'" (John 8:31-32).
There is a process to possessing truth. Opinions as well as traditions can be powerful.
Depending on the origin they may hold a place that is beyond questioning for us. Jesus said
that knowing truth is the result of practicing the principles of God's kingdom, of choosing his
way of doing things. In other words, before the truth can deliver the goods we have to
embrace the principles of God's kingdom. This is not an intellectual thing but a lifestyle. While
each decision is important there is not one that settles it for a lifetime. This world presents a
multitude of opportunities to choose our own way.
When Jesus went to his hometown where everybody had seen him grow up, he was
amazed at their lack of faith (Mark 6:6). He didn't wonder why his Father didn't heal
everyone. The people were offended (indignant); he was just an ordinary person to them so
they did not believe. They were like the religious of today who believe it takes a special
person, like a priest or evangelist, for heaven to be brought to earth, for God's kingdom to be
manifested. That amazed Jesus. Does it amaze you? He left, going from village to village,
because the individual has to choose to believe. No one else can make them willing.
After Jesus came back to life he appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked
them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after
he had risen (Mark 16:14). It is evident that these men had a choice or Jesus would not have
accused them of their stubborn refusal to believe. Life is made up of choices. Once we
accept Jesus we have the ability to make right choices.
"Everything is possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23).