TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
Mark 9:14–19
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
Our response to difficult circumstances is either to have faith or to doubt. Jesus connected healing to faith two times (cf. Mark 5:34–36). The father of the child wanted to express faith but, at the same time, be genuine. So he said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (v. 24). In another version like GNT, it was translated as “I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more!” Jesus was pleased with that response and healed the boy.
Salvation comes to sinners who realize their needs and ask for forgiveness. It is impossible for “righteous” people to be saved (Luke 18: 9–14). In the same way, Christians know what the Bible says, that we can always rejoice, not be anxious, and trust God to guide and take care of us. However, sometimes when we are faced with something that seems to overpower our faith, negative emotions fill us up. We might not have enough faith to follow Him at that moment. However, instead of doubting, we should ask for more faith. We should acknowledge that even our faith comes only from God. It is His work in our lives that enables us to believe and obey.
“I believe” and “help my unbelief” are both statements of faith and admission that our faith is far from perfect. These please our Heavenly Father, who desires to bless us with good things.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge the ongoing battle between faith and doubt in our lives. We also recognize that our faith is a gift from You, and it is Your work in our lives that enables us to believe and obey. Help us to have faith, even if it’s sometimes mixed with doubt, and may our sincere desire to trust You please You, oh, Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Recent Comments