Mark 9:19, 23-24
“O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
“‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
tl;dr
Faith is not the absence of doubt. It is bringing doubts to Jesus and choosing to trust Him anyway.
“Lord, I believe; help me with my unbelief.”
I often find myself praying this prayer.
Sometimes I struggle to trust God with the desires of my heart. When it feels like those desires may never come to fruition, I can become sad, discouraged, and if I am not careful, defeated.
When that happens, I go back to what I know I believe.
I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I believe He gives me His righteousness in exchange for my sin. I believe I am a new creation in Christ. I believe He loves me. I believe He is with me. I believe He is faithful.
When I focus on these simple Gospel truths, all my other issues begin to look smaller. My circumstances may not change immediately, but my perspective does.
The father in this story encourages me because he was honest. He did not pretend to have perfect faith. He brought his faith and his doubts to Jesus at the same time.
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
What a beautiful prayer.
Jesus did not reject him for his struggle. Instead, He met him right where he was.
When doubts creep in, when prayers seem unanswered, or when life does not unfold the way I hoped, I can return to what I know is true. If Jesus has secured my eternity, surely I can trust Him with today.
I hope this helps you today too.
Be well.
Forward in Christ!
#FaithOverFear #HelpMyUnbelief #Mark9 #TrustGod #ChristianEncouragement #HolyHealthyHappy