My New Mantra
I can't tell you how many times I get so frustrated with myself. I have been a follower of Jesus for over 30 years yet I still question, doubt, fear, and wonder. It bothers me often and I wonder if I have any faith at all. At the same time, I love God and adore His son, Jesus, and I am forever grateful for the Spirit who dwells within me. Why the vacillating? Why am I so fickle?
Time and time again the scriptures tell us to be strong in the Lord. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Cast your cares on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith. I find this easier said than done.
The cares of the world just creep in to distract us, unnerve us, frighten us, and discourage us. I wish I could be more constant in my resolve, more sure of my convictions, and better at obtaining that peace that surpasses understanding
I know Jesus often got frustrated with HIs followers during His time on earth. In Mark 9:19 He proclaims, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?"..."
At this time a father had brought his son to the disciples. His son had an evil spirit within him that made him convulse and foam at the mouth. The disciples were unable to heal the boy so the father asked Jesus for a healing. The man said, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus replied, "If you can? All things are possible to him that believes." The father immediately cried out, "I BELIEVE; help my unbelief." Jesus did have compassion and healed the boy.
It amuses me a bit to see that after this event the disciples were still unaware of the things Jesus was teaching. They did not understand the teachings about the death Jesus would suffer and the resurrection to come. They began arguing about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. Jesus lovingly continued to instruct them.
Not so amusing is the fact that we have the revealed word of God. We are privileged to know the complete story of God. We know the whole plan of God yet I relate to the disciples all too often in my lack of understanding of Jesus and His teachings. And worse, when I know the teachings well, I still fall short. I still miss the mark. I still give Satan a foothold from time to time. And I hate that.
When the followers of Jesus asked Him why they could not cast the evil spirit out of the boy, He said that this kind could only come out by prayer. James says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Philippians 4 tells us to be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace that passes understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Jesus, Himself said, "all things are possible to those who believe." Prayer and belief must be paired together. We must pray being certain that God is listening and He will answer.
I want to cry out, "I BELIEVE" but have to add, "help my unbelief." But maybe that is what I need to do. This is my new mantra. I know my gracious Lord understands me. He lovingly continues to teach me with patience as I deepen my prayer life and increase my faith.
He is a good Father. I am His daughter. He loves me, faults and all. Like I love my children and lovingly teach and encourage them, our God does the same for us. As His children who believe, He will be faithful to increase our faith and help our unbelief as we pray diligently for his compassion and help.
Jesus I BELIEVE! Please help my unbelief.
