There is often a struggle deep inside most human beings and that struggle centers around belief. Not simply belief in the spiritual realm. I’m talking about belief in others and belief in one’s self. This plays out repeatedly throughout our days. Can I trust them? Am I getting this right?
Most of this doubting takes place in our mind as part of our internal dialogue. Some people’s internal tapes contain multiple tracks of doubt. Some only have a few. It can be hard to overcome some of these imbedded negative thoughts. Some people never do get rid of this doubt.
After seeing Jesus changed before their eyes, the three inner circle disciples and Jesus rejoin the rest. A big crowd has gathered because a boy has been brought to the remaining disciples who were unable to ‘fix’ him. Jesus has no problem with the boy’s affliction.
Even in the face of imperfect faith, Jesus acts. The boy’s father exercises his faith. He does believe. But at the same time he struggles with some unbelief. This unbelief, this internal struggle does not prevent Jesus from acting. The reality is that we all have imperfect faith. Some of the time we struggle to believe God. Some of the time we struggle to believe in ourselves. Some of the time we have trouble believing another person who we know to be trustworthy.
We as humans doubt. We as humans have faith. And we as humans waver between the two. All of us do. You are not alone in your on again, off again trust. Or like the father in our text his imperfect belief, we have imperfect belief and need help with our unbelief.
The disciples had a problem as well. They tried to fix the situation in their own strength. They could not, or would not admit their own inability to handle this demon-possessed boy. How many times do we try to fix someone before we realize that only the LORD can fix them? And the someone may be us!
Next time you get down on yourself for not having enough faith, take heart. You are not alone. Admit your struggle to Jesus and ask Him to help you with your unbelief. Take your doubts and fears to Him. Bring them into His presence. Lay them at His feet. Then be honest with those around you. Include them in your internal conversation.
The Arnold Journey 