Monday, April 11, 2011

Help To Overcome Unbelief

I have recovered from the horrid upper respiratory infection, and have just a few moments to write this post.  We are in the midst of our Easter pageant preparation, which takes place this weekend, and we have rehearsals tonight, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  I'm guessing I won't have another post until at least Thursday. 

Yesterday, our wonderful pastor preached about faith.  His morning message looked at the healing of a boy, and the father's faith in Jesus to heal his son.  The evening message looked at another father's faith in Jesus to drive a demon from his son.  The passage is Mark 9:14-29.  The crux of the message really was about how the father had faith, but he still wasn't without unbelief.

Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" 
"From childhood," he answered.  "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him.  But if you can do anything, take pit on us and help us."
"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."
(Mark 9: 21-24)

I can relate to the father.  I do believe, but most of my prayers are offered with a similar attitude.  I know God can do all things.  He controls everything.  He's in charge, but I don't know if I've ever prayed truly thinking He would answer me.  I hope He will.  I know he can, but I can't truly believe He'll do it for me.

Often, I feel my requests are really insignificant to Him.  Many times, I think I'm not worthy of His favor.  Whatever the reasons, the reality is I have unbelief.  And I don't want to not believe.

Right now I am facing a situation I want desperately to escape from.  It really is impossible from a human standpoint and I've asked God to please make a way for me to be relieved of this burden.  I know He can.  I have no doubt about it, but I, like the father, still feel the "if you can."  Or, perhaps it's, "if you will."  All, I know is God is the only one who can change the situation for me.  I cannot, and I want to believe without a shadow of a doubt He will...but I can't.  And so, I've asked Him, like the father, to help me with my unbelief.

My unbelief is something I plan to be very mindful of when I'm asking the Lord to help me.  When doubt occurs, I want to ask Him to help me overcome my unbelief.  It's only through His help and love unbelief can be conquered.

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