TODAY’S INSPIRATION: “I BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF”

As a child I was taught that if you give your life to Christ, you would not have any more problems and life would be great. I learned a long time ago that is not true, Believers are not guaranteed immunity from temptations, tribulations, or tragedies, but we are promised victory over them. Jesus never said that suffering will never afflict us, on the contrary, He said suffering is part of life for those who follow Him. However we can rejoice because Jesus also encourages us to “take heart” because he has already “overcome the world”. We can rejoice that He will be with us through it all. And we can rejoice that He is greater than anything we may go through. Life is filled with unexpected sufferings, trials, and difficulties. The enemy loves to use these things in our lives to turn our faith into doubt and our belief into unbelief. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2)

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

When we are going through, the key is to remember that we are promised victory. Remembering and believing this does not change what we are going through, but it will definitely get us through! Just think if you are taking an extremely hard test but the instructor says that no matter your grade you will still pass the class. Your anxiety leaves because you know the end result will be in your favor. That same way we can experience a sense of comfort in the storms of life when we remember that God said everything will work out for our good. Even if we don’t see how or when, if we believe the word of God, our faith will give us confidence to persevere. 

“greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4)

 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Faith and belief are interconnected. The two go hand in hand. One does not make sense without the other because how can you have faith in something in which you don’t believe? The more I read Matthew 17:20, I believe the disciples “little faith” was not their problem. Most versions read, “because you have little faith” and initially we think that is a bad thing but then Jesus goes on to say, “if you have faith of a mustard seed, but you believe, you can move a mountain.” A mustard seed is really small. Which leads me to believe their faith was not the problem. It was there unbelief. Scripture is telling us that even with a little faith, if we only believe, we can have victory. The Bible tells us that Believers are not just victorious but are “more than conquerors” because of their connection with Christ!

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exits and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

“Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” (Mark 9:23)

John 11 tells the story of two sisters. They experienced the worst kind of heartache. They had to bury their brother. Jesus, who was their friend, hadn’t been there. It seemed to them as though He did not really care. When He did show up, “Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) To honestly believe means to be convinced that God is alive, active, and is very much interested in our lives today. When we believe this truth with enough trust to stand on His promises during the storms of life, we exercise faith which is how we make it through. And even with little faith, we can see amazing things happen. God may stop the storm, or He may calm us as he carries us through the storm. I know that sometimes it can get difficult to believe in the mist of the storm, but do not be discouraged. I am reminded of the man in Mark 9, verse 24 who said to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus did not get upset with the man. He is pleased with this response and heals his son. Most of us can identify with this man from time to time. It is the acknowledgement of our inadequacy that allows God to work in our lives. We recognize that even our faith comes from God and it is His work in our lives that enables us to believe. As always, we can ask for what we need. When we doubt, we can ask for more faith. When we are wavering in our commitment to follow, we can ask for more strength of mind. When we are unwilling to obey, we can ask to be made willing. We know that our faith and obedience are always deficient, and we must frequently ask God to enable us to live the life that pleases Him. If left to our own strength and our own faith, we would never make it. “I believe; help my unbelief” is a statement of faith and an admission that our faith is far from perfect. To God be the glory that He is at work within us, giving us the will and the power to achieve His purpose. We must remember that our hope, faith, and joy are not found in what is going on around us, but in believing the truth of God’s Word and His promises. Love and Blessings…

“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)