I believe, help me overcome my unbelief.

In Mark, chapter 9, a man whose son was demon possessed came to Jesus for help..

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” Mark 9:21-24

Even those of us who fully believe that God hears our cries for help and have the faith to believe that He will answer struggle from time to time with unbelief, especially when we have prayed for something for a long time, but have not yet seen God working in the situation. Notice, however, that Jesus did not rebuke the man for the bit of unbelief. Instead, He brought the answer the man had sought for so long.

Don’t be dismayed if a little bit of doubt or unbelief sneaks it’s way into your prayers from time to time. We are human and God understands that. Just declare as this man did...”Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Keep praying, keep standing strong on God’s promises, keep reaffirming your trust and faith in the Lord and soon you will see Him move on your behalf.

Prayer...

Lord, help us to stand especially strong when my prayers have not been answered. Help us to not lose heart, but rather, to continue to grow in faith. I believe that you hear and answer prayer, but I need you to help me in those moments of doubt. Help me to recall past answered prayer, to remember your promises and to thank you in advance for the way you will answer the current cries of my heart. Amen

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Passing it On to the Next Generation

 "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations" Psalm 100:5

I recently had a conversation with my brother about the legacies we leave behind when we die. We talked about our father and how everyone we talked to at his funeral had a special memory of Dad teaching them something. Dad wasn't a wealthy man, so he didn't leave an inheritance for anyone, but he left a part of himself with everyone he met.

My husband teaching our oldest grandson how to tie fishing flies.

We can do that. You don't have to be rich to enrich another person's life. Sharing yourself with them, your time, your knowledge, your love, your prayers - these all build into their lives and will be a lasting tribute to you after you're gone. And if you're building godly virtues into their lives, you can be sure that they will be passing them on to the next generation.

God promises in Psalms (103:17) that from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.

 

Spend a little time today building your legacy into the lives of others. Something they will remember for years after you're gone. Point them toward the Lord, Jesus, for He is faithful through all generations!

What skills do you have that you can pass on? How do you share or walk out your faith so that the next generation will know God's faithfulness?

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(Copyright© 2013 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)