Doubt

A boy who suffered from violent fits was brought to Jesus. The boy’s father wanted Jesus to heal the boy. These verses continue the story:

“Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”” (Mark 9:21-24,NIV)

And so Jesus healed the boy. 

Those words “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” strongly resonate with me. Maybe they do with you too. 

There have been times in my life I’ve had my doubts about my religious beliefs. I don’t think I’ve ever doubted God. Though in times of tragedy I certainly understand how you could doubt God. 

For me the doubts have more been about myself. I believe, and I hope that my belief in my God is unshakable. 

If you believe, like I do that this life with its joys but also its sorrows, is a pathway to the perfect life God offers us, then doubts are something you can deal with in the same way as the man in the story did.

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

This help is available from God. And so much more. Don’t take my word for it! It’s all in His book the bible. Read it for yourself. It helps in this life. And offers a perfect life beyond this one that never ends.