June 1, 2010

I believe—or at least I think i do!

Mark 9:14-29

John McGee
Tuesday's Devo

June 1, 2010

Tuesday's Devo

June 1, 2010

Central Truth

Even believers can struggle with doubt, and when they do, they can pray and actively deal with it.

Key Verse | Mark 9:24

Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

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

Hi! My name is John, and I am a believer who sometimes deals with doubt. I’ve been to seminary, read lots of books about God, and even work at a church, but, if I am honest, at times I doubt. During those times one of my constant prayers is: “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief.” When I’m in a time of doubt, this is the mental checklist I use:

1. Is there sin in my life that is unconfessed or that I am holding on to? Things like greed or a lack of gratitude make it hard for me to remember that God is good and real. (Psalm 66:18)

2. Are my spiritual disciplines where they need to be? Faith comes by hearing, and hearing from the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

3. Am I fatigued? This one doesn’t seem as spiritual, but for me it has become the best diagnostic question. When I am extremely tired, I’ve found I tend to doubt the goodness and reality of God. I'm not sure why, but it's the case in my life, just as it was for Elijah in 1 Kings 18-19. He saw God do amazing things, but he got tired and scared (lacked faith). Then, after some sleep and time with God, he picked right up where he left off. I've been through this cycle enough now that when I'm plagued by severe doubt, I make sure I read my Bible and get to bed as fast as I can each evening. Sleep, along with constant prayer, will make my doubts diminish or go away almost every time.

4. Continue to pray these verses: Mark 9:24, and Peter’s confession in John 6:68-69: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God." I have to remind myself constantly of our God's goodness and uniqueness.

If you are in a season of doubt, I encourage you to to deal with it head on and to let those close to you know.

Discussion Questions

1. When do you struggle with doubt?

2. What will you do next time you are in a season of doubt?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever asked God to do something, but doubted that He could?

2. The father felt that way. What did he say to Jesus in verse 24?

3. God is the one who heals our unbelief. What do you need to tell God today that you are having a hard time believing about Him?

4. Ask God to grow your faith in who He is.