Help My Unbelief

The other day a friend and I were talking about how difficult it is sometimes to keep the “faith.” Not that we forget what we believe about Christ's sacrifice on the cross for our sins and His gift of salvation to us but how sometimes it's a struggle to place our trust in Christ in a way that affects how we live our daily lives — for faith is more than just belief or intellectual assent. It involves surrendering our lives to Christ and trusting in Him. Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Faith is not just a thought or feeling. It involves action that is spurred on because of what we believe and know to be true about God.

A devotional I read the other day said, "Faith does not come from ignorance. Faith is based on what we know." So often we think of faith as being blind, having no basis for it. But as God reveals Himself and demonstrates how trustworthy He is, our faith should grow over time. It should learn from past experience. Hebrews 11 goes on to talk about Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and others whose faith led them to accomplish great things. Over time, each of them learned to place their trust in God and it had a profound effect on how they lived.

Not everyone though had that kind of faith immediately. Mark 9 tells of a father whose son was possessed by an evil spirit. The father approached Jesus seeking deliverance for his son. Though the father did not know Jesus well, he knew enough to come to Him for help with his son. Mark 9:22-24 says "(the father said) But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. 'If you can'? said Jesus. Everything is possible for one who believes. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.'" This man wanted to trust wholeheartedly in Jesus but was totally honest about his lack of faith. Even when we lack faith, we should come to Jesus. No one ever grew in their faith by avoiding Jesus.

In the end, the father received deliverance for his son. But, in addition, I believe he also received help overcoming his lack of faith. Jesus made a lifelong follower that day. He wants to do the same with us, helping us to overcome our lack of faith. Hebrews 11:6 says "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Beloved, let us step out, place our trust in Christ, and grow in our faith in Him.

God bless,
Pastor Darren