FRIDAY, August 5

Mark 9:14-29. Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

A father whose son was possessed by an evil spirit had come to Jesus. He asked Jesus to heal his son, saying “…but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus gently challenged these words, to which the man replied, “I believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus then healed the boy.

Some have criticized the father’s lack of complete faith, suggesting that Jesus healed the son only because a crowd was gathering. They compare him unfavorably to those of “perfect” faith. But for me there’s a note of reality and honesty in this exchange. Belief is often not completely certain. Faith is something negotiated in that meeting place between belief and unbelief. Even in this short passage we can see the father struggling with doubts and words. His understanding of the word “belief” was challenged and changed. And what parent wouldn’t seek healing for a child with such a cry from the heart?”

Jesus meets us as we are, confused or certain, and helps us see our belief in a new light. Is it belief? Or unbelief? We too are healed.

PRAY for Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil and the Diocese of of Recife

Ps 88 * 91, 92; 2 Samuel 12:1-14; Acts 19:21-41

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Help me with my unbelief

Aug 05, 2011 at 7:56 am

Written by Chris,

The people of strong faith God have placed in my life have been and are wonderful role models and mentors. And with each I never felt that they had a lock on 100% unwavering faith. Each struggled and continue to struggle, with humility. It has helped me realize that my struggle is OK and so has this timely devotional. Thank you.

...

Aug 05, 2011 at 9:26 am

Written by Liam Smith,

I've often heard that the opposite of faith is NOT DOUBT, but IS CERTAINTY. In that light, the father would be asking, "I believe - help my doubt."

Commenting on Liam's comment ...

Aug 05, 2011 at 10:19 am

Written by LT ,

In this light, it would be safe then to say ... By the grace of God I hope to be saved ... as opposed to ... I am saved.

...

Aug 05, 2011 at 10:47 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

This really helps me, since sometimes I berate myself for not believing strongly enough. God understands.

Doubt

Aug 05, 2011 at 11:20 am

Written by Mary kier,

I sometimes have trouble believing in all of the miracle stories. But I can see they encompass a truth or lesson. I guess faith and doubt go together. As we grow through Christ we ask him to help us in our belief and unbelief. Doubts like mistakes help us grow as we explore them and ask questions. Our relationship with God is like any other relationship. It is not perfect because we are imperfect. But requires time active prayer and listening. God help me in my belief and unbelei.f

re: Belief/Unbelief

Aug 05, 2011 at 1:40 pm

Written by JAG,

As someone who shakes like the son, I concentrate on what Jesus said to the father after the father asked him if he could help. His response, " “Everything is possible for one who believes.” is my mantra. Jesus didn't believe He could help that boy because He was the Messiah, but rather because He believed in Himself.
We have to start our belief internally before God can truly help us.

Mistakes as instruction

Aug 05, 2011 at 2:17 pm

Written by LT,

Partake of instruction with a great amount of silver, and gain much gold with it. Wisdom of Sirach 51:28

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