Well, Do You?

Daily Reading:  Mark 9

I believe; help my unbelief! (Mark 9.24)

Devotional Thought: In today’s chapter, Mark 9, you will read the story of the transfiguration of Jesus, when Peter, James, and John went up on a mountain with him and beheld his heavenly glory.  As they returned from this mountaintop experience, they were met by a man whose boy was possessed by a demon and in grave danger.  The disciples had been unable to cast the demon out while Jesus had been away, and the man – in desperation – came running up to Jesus and begged for his help.  “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."  To which Jesus replied, “If you can?”  That is when the man said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Have you ever felt like that man?  You believe in Jesus, but there is an element of unbelief, of uncertainty, of hesitancy.  I know that I have.  What do you do when you are faced with that situation? 

·       Condemn yourself for a lack of faith and give up?  No!  That’s not the time to give up!  That’s the time to hold on tighter in desperation. 

·       Contradict reality, denying the presence of unbelief?  No!  That’s the time to be extremely honest with yourself and God, confessing your unbelief and asking for God’s help. 

·       Continue to play a religious game and put on a religious mask?  No!  That’s the time to forget what others think, drop all pretense, humble yourself, and throw yourself at the feet of Jesus trusting in his mercy.

When we respond like this man, we will find help from the hand of Jesus. 

May God answer our prayers today.  Especially this one: “Lord I believe.  Help my unbelief!”

Prayer: Lord, all things are possible with you!  Help me when doubts and fears cloud my judgment.  I believe.  Help my unbelief.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 6.6-10

6 I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.

7 My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.

8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.

9 The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.

10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.