Unbelief
Scripture:
Mark 9:22-24
“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.”
“‘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!”
John 4:53
Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.
Reflection:
Today I choose to fast from the wound of unbelief.
You can check your level of unbelief in your life with one question: am I focused on my problems or God’s promises? Belief has us focusing on God and remembering God’s grace in our lives. Unbelief has us focusing on ourselves and pulls us into a downward spiral. When our problems seem insurmountable and belief is lacking, the temptation towards sloth grows stronger.
The gospels reminds us that our belief doesn’t need to be perfect. In Mark 9, Jesus casts out the demon even while the boy’s father claims to still have unbelief. In John 4, it seems that the father and his household didn’t believe until after they saw the miraculous healing. And yet, both fathers did not allow their unbelief to hold them back. They focused on what they knew of Christ and trusted that even their small faith would be enough.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
What areas of my life seem to have more problems than promises?
In what ways do I need God to help my unbelief?
Prayer:
Use Mark 4:24 as a model for your prayers. Talk to God about your belief and your unbelief. Thank God for the times in your life when you have seen his faithfulness and for the promises that you are still waiting to see fulfilled. Share your unbelief and those things that hold you back from faith, then ask God to help you overcome your unbelief.
These devotions have been adapted from “Lenten Healing: 40 Days to Set You Free from Sin” by Ken Kniepmann.
