Lent Day 36 Faith or Doubt?

Reading

”‘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!”

Reflection

In this story a man brings his demon-possessed son to the disciples, who are unable to heal him. He asks Jesus ‘if you can do anything for him take pity him and help him. Jesus’s response is given in Mark 9:23-24. I have often been intrigued by the man’s claim to both believe and unbelief at the same time. Is that possible? Consider the scene – a man who has watched his son overcome with torturous spirits since childhood – the helplessness, pain, and loss of control. Then the disciples – taught by Jesus himself – unable to heal him. You can’t wonder that the man has some doubt. But beyond his doubt, deep in his spirit, is faith in Jesus and his ability to heal. This is often the way – circumstances, past experiences, and our emotions build up a cloud of doubt. That’s when we need to bypass those things and find the faith that lives in our spirit – allow it to rise up and act, influencing our choices and decisions. What about you – what area of life do you struggle with lingering doubt? Find some life-affirming verses and begin to speak the truth into your spirit. Stay strong in the Lord, and learn, if necessary to live with doubt, but to put it aside and allow your spirit to take ownership of your problems.

Spiritual Exercise

Try this:
What causes you to doubt God’s goodness, his provision, his ability to answer your prayers? In what circumstance might you need to bypass your mind and your emotions, and rely instead on the spirit within you? Find some verses that bring truth into this area of your life and begin speaking them out regularly until the truth is ‘grounded’ in your spirit.