Greetings.  As I look through our past reading and devotions, I am realizing this is the first time you will have heard from someone other than Pastor Bill.  I’m excited for this opportunity to share some of my thoughts with you and hope that you will find them beneficial and meaningful to you.

Today’s reading is Mark 9:14-12:44.  As I have read through the book of Mark, I realize again that the whole book seems to be a storyboard of sorts.  Mark’s style gives us these short glimpses into significant moments in Jesus’ ministry and work on earth – much like a comic strip gives us short glimpses into the lives of Snoopy or Dennis the Menace.

Although these glimpses – these frames – that Mark gives us are short – they are powerful – and one frame that seems to be repeating itself throughout the book is one of faith.  And that’s where I got stuck today.  Specifically, I kept coming back to Mark 9:14-27.

Here, the disciples and Jesus have been separated and the disciples are talking to the people who have gathered around.  There is a man there who’s son was possessed by a demon.  Despite the requests of the father and the attempts of the disciples, they are not able to help.  And they don’t understand why.  But Jesus understands.  In verse 23, he responds to the man saying, “everything is possible for him who believes.”  The man responds with a very profound, powerful statement that could be our constant prayer.  “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”

Jesus then orders the spirit out of the boy.

So far in our readings from Mark, this theme of faith and doubt, or unbelief, has shown up in many frames.

Mark seems to be painting a picture of the importance of faith and the danger of doubt and unbelief.  Not only that, but Mark gives us a look at the power of God working through the faith of His people.

This is not to say that if we are doubting, God won’t be able to work through us.  My purpose in writing this is not to say that if you find yourself doubting or wondering about God that “you better get some faith!”  My hope in writing these thoughts is that in those times when we doubt or get scared or wonder about God and His power in our lives, that we would say with the man in today’s reading, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

We are constantly under attack.  The world, Satan, and our sinful nature want us to lose our faith – because that would separate us from God.  But God is more powerful.  And it is God, by his Holy Spirit, that gives us our faith in the first place.  He will continue to work in you to strengthen that faith.  And then just watch what he will be able to do through you!

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses?
While there are many things that can cause us to doubt God and His power in our lives, God is more powerful and will honor our prayers for a stronger faith.

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
I will pray with the man in today’s story, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” and wait for God to act!