To be fully HUMAN — A Daily Reflection

 

Mark 9:24 NIV

 

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

 

The third step in learning to live by faith is to recognize how small our faith is, and then to pray for help in our unbelief.

 

The man in yesterday’s story recognized where he was as far as faith is concerned.  He recognized that he believed – to a certain extent.  But he also recognized that his faith was weak, that – deep down - he didn’t truly believe that anything could be done for his son, even by Jesus.  So he asked Jesus to help his unbelief.

 

We can do the same.  Faith is not something that is automatic… even though we expect it to be.  We live in an "instant" generation… everything is easier, faster, more worry-free.  Fast food, fast cars, fast credit, fast involvement, fast everything.  So we expect our faith fast, instantly, with no effort.  And, when we don’t have enough faith, we try to take over and do things for ourselves – which, in far too many cases, turns out to be most of the time.  We fail to realize that each circumstance in our lives is there so that Jesus can help us to grow in our faith in Him, not in ourselves.

 

Like this man whose son was demon possessed, we, too, can ask Jesus to help our unbelief.  He will help.  With some of us, He’ll give an instant answer to prayer, like with this man, knowing us well enough to know that this is the best way to teach us.  With others, (I tend to be one of these!), He might use a slower, more painful teaching method - helping us to grow by showing us His faithfulness over and over again in every situation of our lives.  But whatever the case… no matter what method Jesus uses to teach us… He will help us grow in faith.

 

When your faith is lacking, don’t sit there wallowing in your fear – pray that Jesus will help your unbelief.