“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24b (NIV)
I believe in God. I believe that He is who He says He is and that He has and will do what He says He will do, but if I'm honest, there are times when unbelief creeps in.
When times are hard and God seems very far away, I wonder if He is with me. When I've prayed and I haven't seen an answer, I wonder if He's heard me, if He cares about what I'm going through. I hate that!
I hate that my faith is not strong at all times, that I waver even just a little in my trust in Him. I'm ashamed and am tempted to shove the unbelief down inside and pretend that it doesn't exist, but that's not necessary. God is not put off by my unbelief, he is not appalled or angry. He understands that I am human and that these thoughts will come from time to time. He's okay with that.
What He's not okay with is when I try to hide it from Him, when I pretend that everything is alright and don't confess to Him the struggle I'm having with my faith, because if I don't confess it, He can't help me with it.
I can be honest with God, knowing that He loves me and will strengthen me when I am weak.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of coming to you in all honesty and confessing my doubts. Thank you for understanding that it doesn't mean that I don't love you or believe in you, but just that I am going through a rough spot and I need you more than ever. Thank you for always being there with arms wide open to receive your doubting child. Sooth away the doubts, Lord. Amen
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(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
I believe in God. I believe that He is who He says He is and that He has and will do what He says He will do, but if I'm honest, there are times when unbelief creeps in.
When times are hard and God seems very far away, I wonder if He is with me. When I've prayed and I haven't seen an answer, I wonder if He's heard me, if He cares about what I'm going through. I hate that!
I hate that my faith is not strong at all times, that I waver even just a little in my trust in Him. I'm ashamed and am tempted to shove the unbelief down inside and pretend that it doesn't exist, but that's not necessary. God is not put off by my unbelief, he is not appalled or angry. He understands that I am human and that these thoughts will come from time to time. He's okay with that.
What He's not okay with is when I try to hide it from Him, when I pretend that everything is alright and don't confess to Him the struggle I'm having with my faith, because if I don't confess it, He can't help me with it.
I can be honest with God, knowing that He loves me and will strengthen me when I am weak.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of coming to you in all honesty and confessing my doubts. Thank you for understanding that it doesn't mean that I don't love you or believe in you, but just that I am going through a rough spot and I need you more than ever. Thank you for always being there with arms wide open to receive your doubting child. Sooth away the doubts, Lord. Amen
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(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
2 comments:
Oh my, you've hit a nerve with me. I'm so thankful that God is full of grace towards me. I ask Him to strengthen my faith. I do believe!
I didn't realize I'd be staying on your blog so long but each entry has been so good. :)
Blessings,
Debbie
Ya know, sometimes we think we are the only ones who struggle on our Christian walk. Getting the truth out there, being transparent with our struggles helps us connect with others who are going through the same thing. We can then strengthen and encourage one another. I love blogging for that very reason.
Oh, and you come as often as you want and stay as long as you want!
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