Doubts
by Alan and Clarice Smith 19 May 2024
Read Mark 9:14-29
The boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.’ Mark 9:24 (NIV)
People we read about in the Bible were no different to a lot of us. From Moses to Thomas many of them experienced moments of doubt. Today’s reading tells of a father who brought his son to Jesus to be healed.
Upon Jesus telling him ‘Everything is possible for one who believes’ the father immediately replied , I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.
Surely most of us can identify with the inner turmoil that caused the father to confess his doubts and also ask for help with them.
Most people would admit having gone through a period where they have struggled with their faith and relationship with God. Also during such times have found themselves in many difficult, high stress situations. It’s at such times of doubt that we wonder if God will be willing to help. This is when we need to be all the more determined to pray, even if we only approach the Lord with such words as, ‘I don’t seem to be able to get over these doubts, but I am coming to You in spite of them.’ The strength to endure and carry on will come.
Surely doubt is not a sin, but a possible launching point towards a deeper faith through trust and prayer.
God is always there. We have to take the first prayerful step to find rest in his presence.
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Prayer
Dear God, when we go through times of doubt and are burdened with unbelief, help us not to give up. Thank you for your constant presence with us. Amen