Doubt

Do you ever have doubts about your life or perhaps about your faith? I think we all do at one point or another in our lives. Not that we doubt God or his ability, but many times we doubt ourselves and whether or not we are really pleasing to God.

In David Heller's book, Dear God: Children's Letters to God. He has recorded many insights from children, such as:

"Dear God, What do you do with families that don't have much faith? There's a family on the next block like that. I don't want to get them in trouble, so I can't say who. See you in church. Alexis (age 10)

Dear God, I have doubts about you sometimes. Sometimes I really believe. Like when I was four and I hurt my arm and you healed it up fast. But my question is, if you could do this why don't you stop all the bad in the world? Like war. Like diseases. Like famine; Like drugs; and there are problems in other people's neighborhoods, too. I'll try to believe more. Ian (age 10)"

Doesn't that sound like us? Sometimes we really believe, but we have our doubts sometimes, don't we?

One of the problems is that we look at those around us and think, "I wish I could be like them". "I wish I could have their faith". But what we don't realize if that they are thinking the same thing about us. We don't have the ability to see into their hearts and minds and know how often others (just like us) doubt themselves.

In Mark 9:20-24 we see a perfect example of doubt and faith concerning a father and son possessed by and evil spirit, in need and their relationship to Jesus. We read, "So they brought the boy (to Jesus). But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. "How long has this been happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father. He replied, "Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can." "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."  The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" (NLT)

Doesn't that sound exactly like us at times? I know it sounds like me! I do believe, but at times it doesn't seem like enough. I just don't know if I can make it through this life with the amount of faith I have or if I can really be pleasing to God.

In Mark, Jesus understood the problem of the father's faith and did what was necessary to help. Do you think he is any less understanding with us? No, he is caring and compassionate and wants everyone to be saved 2 Peter 3: 9.

Dear God, I believe, but help me in the times of my weakness to overcome my unbelief.