I believe! Help my unbelief! I wish those words — those polar opposite words — weren’t reflective of my own experience with faith. How can both be true? The footnote in my Bible says, “Since faith is never perfect, belief and unbelief are often mixed.” I find that comforting to my conflicting spirit.
When the father, described in Mark 9, came to Jesus on behalf of his demon-possessed son, he asked him for the help Jesus’ disciples had been unable to deliver. The disciples appeared to be as baffled as the father over their lack of power. They asked Jesus what went wrong. His answer was simple: “This kind can come out only by prayer” (Mark 9:29). Isn’t that what they were doing? Evidently, their faith needed some adjustment.
All too often I think we succumb to discouragement when we feel our prayers ascend no further than the ceiling. The mountain didn’t move so we’re tempted to settle into a faith that, if not attended to, won’t even move an anthill. This incident illustrates the importance of not letting that happen.
The key lies in not viewing our faith as a finished product. Jesus answered the father’s plea to help him overcome his unbelief and his son was restored. The disciples also allowed their faith to be remodeled. History records they continued with a faith that changed the world.
If we hope to attain such confidence let’s ask God to keep constructing our beliefs into a living, vibrant faith.
Father, thank you for calling us to increasing faith. Please keep working on us. Get rid of all our double mindedness until we possess the kind of faith that changes the world. Amen.
Throughout the Day: Since faith comes by hearing, and hearing is enhanced by the Word of God, combine your prayers with Scripture as you seek a closer walk with God.
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