Do you want the consolation God can give, or do you want God himself? If it is the first, then you do not love God for his own sake, but for yours; and in that case, you deserve nothing from him. But if you seek him alone, you will find him even more truly when he tests you than when he comforts you. When he comforts you, you have cause to fear that you might care more for his gifts than for himself; but when he deals roughly with you and you hold on fast, it is to him alone that you cling. The real time for progress is not when we delight in a conscious sweetness, but when faith is dry and cold—if we do not yield to discouragement.
Francois Fenelon – “The Royal Way to the Cross”

Luke 17:5 (NASB)
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

In earlier chapters of Luke, Jesus is speaking to the Scribes and Pharisees, but then at the beginning of chapter 17, He turns his attention towards the apostles to give them instruction. The first 4 verses must have been overwhelming to them, because they cry out to Jesus asking Him to increase their faith. It is interesting that it wasn’t reported that just one of them said this, but it was several or all of them that called out to Jesus.

As I read the excerpt from Fenelon, I wondered about the motivation of the disciples at that point in time. Were they calling out to Jesus for faith because they wanted God himself, or were they just interested in the benefits that Jesus promised them if they had faith?

It is a good question to ponder about our motivations. Do I want Jesus Himself, or do I cry out to Him just for the consolation that only He can provide? Is it sinful to call out to God with only that in mind, or is it simply the fact that my sanctification still has a long way to go?

Heavenly Father, pour your Holy Spirit into me today. Give me the motivation that it is only You that I want. Increase my faith, so that the result is that I want you more and more. May my consolation be your presence alone and let me worry not about the circumstances of this life. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,