Belief
I have beliefs about a lot of different topics and ideas. Some things that I believe are not up for debate. Those beliefs have become convictions. Some things I believe are probably not going to happen. For example, I believe the Atlanta Braves will win the World Series this year. I apologize to any avid Braves fans. You see, I want them to win the World Series and if my belief could help them win, then they should win. I get a bit frustrated at sporting events because I usually pick a team that I want to win. Belief is a pretty significant part of my core being. The things I believe in are actually lived out in some form or fashion every day.
Jesus had just come down from a “mountain-top experience” – literally. As He gets near the rest of His disciples, He sees a commotion. Evidently His disciples had tried to cast out an evil spirit of this young boy. The Dad was disappointed because the disciples could not cast out the evil spirit. Check this out…
20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. (Mark 9:20-27 NIV)I have my doubts in the middle of my faith sometimes. I feel like I hear Jesus call me out on my doubts. I believe that there are demons just like there are angels. I can’t see them or always identify them, but I believe they are real. I have prayed some bold prayers and tried really hard not to doubt the Power or the Presence of God. One of my favorite prayers in all the Word of God is found in this passage. It’s a prayer that I’ve prayed along with my bold prayers. “I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
The same God who challenges me to pray bold prayers will help me overcome my doubt and skepticism. My role is to continue to grow in my ability to trust the Lord. As I have faith experiences where I’ve seen the Power and the Presence of God, my faith gets stronger and my doubt diminishes. My growing faith honors the Author of my faith.
Pressing On! Dwayne