WEAK FAITH

"Jesus asked the boy's father, 'How long has he been like this?' 'From childhood,' he answered. 'It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.' 'If you can'?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:21-24).

Imagine this man’s plight—he’d seen his beloved son tormented for years by an evil spirit that had rendered the boy mute and often tried to kill him. The disciples were unable to drive the spirit out. When Jesus arrived at the scene, the father pleaded for his help. When Jesus challenged the man’s belief, the man made an honest confession: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

How conflicted. A part of the father believed that Jesus had the power to deliver his son; yet, at the same time, a part of him doubted. Have you ever felt that way? Torn between faith and doubt? I admit that I have. In my suffering, I knew that only God could help me, but when prayers for healing went unanswered for months, I became fearful and confused. Doubt took hold.

At first glance, it may sound like Jesus is saying that “faith” heals us. But a deeper principle is at work here. It is God who heals us. In other words, faith in “faith” itself is a work—when we try to muster up what we simply do not possess. But having faith in the Person of God is the key. There is a subtle difference between these two perspectives, and that difference has the power to either wreak havoc or to produce peace in our hearts.

What if we simply do not have that kind of faith within us?

I’ve come to realize that we can only believe someone to the degree that we trust them, and trust takes time to develop. As with our earthly relationships, trust in others develops over time as it is tested and repeatedly proves faithful. The same holds true in our relationship with God. Faith is a lifelong journey filled with various experiences designed to increase our trust in Him.

Look at Abraham. Young in his faith, he convinced his wife to lie about her identity in Egypt, fearful that he would lose his life because of her beauty. Abraham lacked trust in God to protect him. Yet, decades later, this same man demonstrated giant faith when he sacrificed his only son on an altar at God’s command. Through various circumstances over the years, God had developed Abraham’s faith.

STRONG FAITH

Notice that Jesus did not wait for the man’s faith to “kick in” before responding. No. Instead God entered into this man’s crisis and responded in a way that produced the end result—faith. You can bet that after seeing Jesus work, the father’s belief in Him was strengthened.

Nothing challenges our faith more than prolonged pain. Suffering draws to the surface what is hidden in our hearts, forcing us to come face to face with our gut beliefs. Sometimes what emerges from within is shocking—it can be an uncomfortable purging.

Looking back, if God had healed me at first cry, my understanding of Him would never be what it is today. Because He allowed my trial to continue, inaccurate and harmful perspectives were uncovered and healed. God is more concerned with our internal state rather than our external comforts. Hebrews 12:2 tells us He is both the author and the perfector of our faith.

If we waiver, we don’t need to cower under a cloud of guilt because our faith is not what it should be. Instead, as we humble ourselves before God, honestly acknowledging our weakness and needs, He will rise to our rescue. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17).

Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me when I am weak to have stronger faith. Forgive me when I doubt, and teach me to trust You in the depths of my heart, in every circumstance. Thank you that You not only initiated my faith, but You will perfect it until You bring me home. Amen.