May 31, 2016

DON'T BE ASHAMED OF DOUBT; GOD HONORS THE FIGHT!

Mark 9:14–29

Bridget Kelly
Tuesday's Devo

May 31, 2016

Tuesday's Devo

May 31, 2016

Central Truth

Life has a way of pounding on us, and we shouldn't feel guilt or shame about wrestling with doubt. Could it be God is saying, "I know you're doubting. I'm for you. Keep fighting. I haven't abandoned you"?

Key Verse | Mark 9:23–24

And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24)

Mark 9:14–29

Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit

14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out 1 9:24 Some manuscripts add with tears and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” 2 9:29 Some manuscripts add and fasting

Footnotes

[1] 9:24 Some manuscripts add with tears
[2] 9:29 Some manuscripts add and fasting

Dive Deeper | Mark 9:14–29

As a Watermark staff member, I am susceptible to the enemy's efforts to convince me that I need to have it all together—that I’m a lesser Christian if I have any doubts about my faith. Even writing this, I'm thinking, "Oh, I can't reveal too much about my doubts. Who knows what people will think." But the truth is, we're humans with finite minds and limited capabilities for understanding our infinite God.

This passage is such a beautiful portrayal of the fight between faith and doubt that goes on in our minds. My thoughts often follow this path: "I believe You're good. I believe You're God. I believe You have this, but help me because a part of me doesn't believe." Does anyone reading today share my struggle? The question I need answered is this: How much faith must we have for the mercy and grace of God to work on our behalf?

The passage today answers that question. The father shared his doubts with Jesus, “But if you can do anything . . . .” (verse 22b) Here comes the best part. Jesus heals the father's son! Let that encourage you and me. God steps into that space of doubt and says, "For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20b)

Maybe you don't wrestle with doubt like I do, and that's okay, but trust me when I say there will be a day when trials will eventually wear you down to the point of doubt. Because, hey, we're all human. So when that day comes, just cry out to the Lord. Be honest and tell Him where you're doubting. Our God is good, and He is faithful. He will honor your fight and grow that mustard seed of faith.

Discussion Questions

1. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to believe that God is big enough?

2. What is something that, if it happened, would cause you to doubt God?

3. What are your go-to Scripture verses when you are battling doubt?