Why a Cry for Mercy Is Not Enough

 


Why a Cry for Mercy Is Not Enough

Understanding the Partnership Between God’s Mercy and Your Faith

By Nick A. Uanikhoba

God meets all our needs through His system of mercy—but that mercy is not automatically activated by emotion or desperation alone. There is a divine principle often missed: Mercy flows most powerfully where faith is present. Without faith in God's ability, even the most desperate cry can remain unanswered.

Mercy Must Be Matched by Ability

The Spirit of God once gave me this illuminating illustration:

“You are naturally compassionate. That means you are merciful. But if someone desperately needed a Jet, could you buy one for him?”
“No,” I replied.
“Then you see? Mercy alone isn’t enough if you lack the power to help. You may desire to help—but without the means, your mercy won’t manifest in action.”

This simple dialogue carried profound revelation: Compassion without power cannot produce intervention. Mercy must be paired with ability to be effective. And if that is true for humans, how much more must we understand this when we come to God?

Faith in God’s Ability Activates His Mercy

Many believers cry for mercy yet doubt God's power. But Scripture shows us that faith in God’s ability is the condition for receiving mercy's outcome. Consider the story of the two blind men in Matthew 9:27–30:

“And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened...”

They cried for mercy, yes—but healing came only after Jesus confirmed their faith in His power. He didn’t respond to their emotion alone. He responded to their confidence in His ability.

God’s Power and God’s Mercy Work Together

We cannot pit God's mercy against His requirement for faith. Scripture shows that God's compassion is ever ready—but He responds where faith is present.

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God...” (Hebrews 11:6)
“Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering...” (James 1:6)

Faith does not earn mercy—it receives it. God’s mercy has already made provision through Christ Jesus. But the delivery system of that provision is faith.

A Deeper Lesson: The More You Grow in Compassion, the More God Trusts You with Power

There’s a powerful principle here for ministry and Christian service. When our compassion increases, God can entrust us with more power to serve others. Why?

Because divine ability is safest in the hands of those who are driven by mercy, not ego.

“And Jesus, moved with compassion, touched him…” (Mark 1:41)

The miracles of Jesus were often triggered by compassion. If we want to walk in greater dimensions of power, we must first allow the Holy Spirit to grow our hearts in love and compassion for people.

Key Takeaways

  1. God is merciful, but He responds to faith.

  2. A cry for mercy without faith in God’s power may remain unanswered.

  3. Faith activates the flow of mercy already provided through Christ.

  4. Compassion qualifies us for greater measures of divine ability.

  5. Ministry must be fueled by love, not performance.

Final Thought

Let us never substitute a desperate cry for a confident trust. Mercy hears the cry, but faith opens the door. As we grow in the knowledge of God’s power and His willingness to help, we become bold enough to believe and humble enough to serve others with what He entrusts us.


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