Help Me with My Unbelief

 

What is it you are asking God for?  Healing? Financial relief? A broken relationship?  In Mark 9, we read about the father of a boy possessed by an evil spirit.  The father was hoping Jesus could heal his son.  He said to him in verse 23, “…if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”  Jesus’s reply stopped me in my tracks when I recently read this story, He repeated the man’s statement back to him “if you can”?  You can almost hear the incredulity in His voice.  Here is the Son of God and the man isn’t sure He can take care of his need.

 

Mark 9:23b-24 – Everything is possible for the one who believes. Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Things to think about:

·       “Help me overcome by unbelief” – what an interesting statement.  He says he believes but also asks for help with his unbelief.

o   It’s like saying I have some gas in the tank but not a full tank.

·       I find that I’m not so different as this desperate father.  I definitely believe but I know I need help to believe to the full measure.

o   Maybe you feel this way sometimes too?

·       If we can equate belief with faith, let’s look at Hebrews 11:1

o   “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”

§  Sure and certain – this isn’t wishing, this is calling on the Holy One of Heaven

o   You already know some of the examples cited in Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith chapter.

§  Heb. 11:7 – ^“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” 

§  Heb. 11:8 – “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going”

·       In James 2:18 – “…Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

o   Our deeds are our faith in action.  We have to walk the talk even when it’s scary and into the unknown.

·       Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

·       Are you struggling to believe, really believe, that God will answer your prayer?

o   Ask for help with your unbelief

o   Believe earnestly (i.e., sincerely)

o   Commit to the path of what God is calling you into (walk in faith)

 

Give to Get

 

Give to Get – that seems to sum up so many aspects of how the Kingdom operates.  Rather than hoard to amass, we are told on multiple occasions in multiple ways, that the secret to getting more from God is to give away exactly what it is you want more of.

 

Proverbs 11:25 – A generous man will prosper; He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed

 

Things to think about:

·       Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

·       Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy

·       John 12:25 - The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

·       Matthew 6:14 - If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.

Why is it this way?

·       It acknowledges that God is the Source of all the things we need and that He has a limitless supply of what we need

o   Philippians 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

·       We can only give what we have been given

o   Deut. 8:18 - But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

·       Others need to be enriched by what God has bestowed on us

o   Proverbs 11:25 - A generous man will prosper; He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed

·       As we learn to turn our eyes from what we want to what He wants and what others need, we find that our capacity to give increases.

o   Proverbs 11:24 - One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

·       Where have you seen these principles play out in your life?

·       Is God calling you to loosen your grip on something?

Peace

 

Is your spirit disturbed within you?  Are you at war with yourself? Are you in conflict with others?  Do your circumstances keep you on edge? Do you find you are impatient?  Are you engaging in unhealthy habits?  Are you unable to find peace?  I think some or all of these hard questions can be true of us at times.  God knows this and doesn’t find fault rather He provides the solution.  Let’s look at what Scripture has to say about Peace, how to find it, and what to with it.

 

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Things to think about:

God is Peace

·       Isaiah 9:6-7 - And He will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.

God Gives Peace

·       John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

·       Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

·       Phil. 4:16 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God Calls us to Live in Peace

·       Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

·       Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

 

·       What aspect of today’s study hits home the most for you?

 

·       Where are you struggling to find peace in your life?

 

·       What can you do differently today to receive God’s peace?

 

·       What can you do differently today to share God’s peace?