‘If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! … All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’ (Mk. 9:21-24)
As humans, we are fickle creatures. It is part of our fallen nature. When unexpected circumstances arise, or tough times arrive, or when we simply find ourselves beaten down by the realities of our broken world, it can be disheartening. We need someone to turn the light back on. We need to find hope in a world that often keeps much of our heart, mind, and souls lost in the dark.
We need a little more faith.
How interesting is it that in one of the quintessential moments of doubt expressed in Scriptures above, we see a profound collision take place. We see a father, desperate for his son to be healed from an unclean spirit conjuring up enough faith to exclaim, “I believe; help my unbelief!” “Doubt & Faith” come to a head and, somehow, amid the often-competing dispositions, we see Jesus generously address both aspects of this man’s struggles. He heals the child, and then “Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose (Mk. 9:27).”
It’s a compelling picture of how Jesus helps us navigate the choppy waters of “Doubt & Faith”—and how He does so with grace and truth.
Throughout this series, we want to invite you in to be a part of the transformation. We want you to open your hearts and minds to what Scriptures has to say about moments like this passage in Mark when floods of doubt that come rushing in turn to moments of faith that lasts for eternity. We want you to see Jesus how He really is, and what His Holy Spirit does for those of us who make Him the King of our lives. Because where doubt can reign for a time, faith in Jesus as Savior will reign forever. It is a glorious reality, and one that all of us can participate in if we choose to.
So, in the words of Solomon in Proverbs 3:5-8 …
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Now let’s navigate our “Doubt & Faith” together.
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SERIES IN REVIEW
“Chained By Doubt–Set Free By Faith” – March 26th, 2023
“Faith as a Journey–Not a Destination” – March 19th, 2023
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RESOURCES TO DIG DEEPER
“When Faith Fails” – Dominic Done
“Wandering Toward God” – Travis Dickinson
“The Anatomy of Deconversion” – John Marriott
“Truth in a Culture of Doubt” – Andreas J. Köstenberger
“Before You Lose Your Faith” – Ivan Mesa
“After Doubt” – A.J. Swoboda
“The Thomas Factor” [Download for free] – Gary R. Habermas
“Where Prayer Becomes Real” – Kyle Strobel & John Coe
“Why I Trust the Bible” – William D. Mounce