When we have trouble trusting God
What character in the Bible do you relate to the most when your faith is tested for a long time?
Sometimes I’m a lot like the father in Mark 9 who begs the Lord for more faith, especially when it comes to trusting Him regarding my children.
In this chapter, a father tells Jesus about his son whom a demonic spirit has controlled since childhood. He then says, “‘But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ 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 9:22-24 ESV)
When our emotions and circumstances are screaming louder than our faith, when our fears become the ruling power in our trial, and when we’re at the end of our rope, we find ourselves praying a similar prayer: “Father, help my unbelief! Give me the faith to know that You are all You say You are and that nothing is impossible for You. Help me to see You right here in my circumstance!”
And during the times when God’s answer is no: “Father, help my unbelief in the times when You don’t answer in the way I desperately wanted You to. In the way I desperately needed You to. Help me to trust You in the midst of this anguishing pain. To trust that You always know what’s best.”
What if we were to grow to love His Word to the point that we actually began believing God is all He says He is and can do all He says He can do? How would our relationship with God change if we were to spend so much time talking with our heavenly Father that He becomes even more real to us, especially when we need Him the most?
Ironically, the whole process of crying out to God in our unbelief is the very act that, over time, strengthens our faith. Simply choosing to turn to Him in our trials (large and small) draws us closer and helps us recognize His presence and power.
I wish I could say my faith never waivers. But, step by step, I’m still learning to trust God fully. Which is why I cry out, “Lord, help my unbelief!” as I continue my journey of faith.
What about you?
You can use a pseudonym (fake name) when commenting.
- Can you relate to the father’s cry, “I believe; help my unbelief!” mentioned above?
- How can we pray for you?
See sidebar to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox. There is no charge for this service.
“What character in the Bible do you relate to the most when your faith is tested for a long time?” Interesting question Sheryl, not one I wanted to think about though, but it was good for me to do so. I guess I would have to say Peter, when he was discouraged, after having denied Christ three times and then after Jesus was crucified, Peter went fishing. I am guessing Peter thought his ministry wasn’t working out. When Jesus came back he looked up Peter and asked him three times if he loved him. Then Jesus told him to “feed my sheep.” I have been thinking about that a lot lately. I am guessing that means regardless of what is going on in our lives we need to speak God’s word. We need the food and we need to share food with others. That is hard to do when you want to run away and go fishing.
Barbara, I believe it was you who asked my opening question on Face book a while back. It was then I answered about the father mentioned in my post. Thank you for the inspiration!
Peter is a good one. I think many of us can relate to Peter on so many levels.
Isn’t that something? My memory is so bad. I do not recall this at all.
It was great! And when I asked if I could use that one day for my column and blog, you graciously said yes. You’re swell !
Outstanding !!!!!!!
Thank you, Jackie!
Sheryl, thank you so much for being willing to share from such a depth of your heart. Your columns are such an encouragement to me, and I’m sure to many others as well.
Welcome to Today Can Be Different, Stephen.
I so appreciate your kind words – and for your taking the time to visit my blog and leave a comment. I can’t tell how it encourages me to keep writing. Thank you. Please stop by again.
Also, I’d appreciate your help in my efforts to track where my column is being read: Did you hear about the Today Can Be Different blog on Facebook or in one of the newspapers who carries my column? (And which paper?)
Thank you again, Stephen.
I have read your Saturday column in the Tallahassee Democrat, and it has been very helpful for me. I saw the website address there, and have been going back to older blogs. Thank you for your ministry.
I’m thankful God is using my column and blog for His purpose and glory! Thanks again, Stephen.
You say:”When our emotions and circumstances are screaming louder than our faith;” this is exactly true everyday of my life. That is why I am rededicating to having a prayer time and bible study quite time. This is the only way I know how to reinforce and sustain my faith in God. Please pray for me. Thank You.
Indeed, I will pray for you, Bert. Just as I count on you to pray for me for the areas I need God’s help with.
I love you, Hon.
Bert left the very comment that i would write. Every day this is a test for me also. I am so fortunate to have the time to read and meditate on the word through out the day. A busy schedule and lifes twists and turns are overwhelming , often . I realize im not taking as long to realize im no longer displaying a loving spirit , and adjust my thinking , and feel the guidance of my Holly Spirit once again. Thats progress. Im thankfull !
I so relate, Janet. In fact, in a previous post, I mentioned how my behavior gradually changes (not in a good way) when I neglect my quiet time too often.
Thank you again, Janet, for dropping by!! AND for leaving a comment!!!
Sheryl , how does an adult later in life with no true faith instilled in her by family or others just now begin a journey to find GOD in her life ? Can’t read the bible. Truly makes no sense at all to me having lived in a world with it being absent . Also , many passages believers have commented on to me ie; that gays no matter how incredibly they live a spiritual & righteous , generous life can not ever get to Heaven cant work for me ! I think it (the bible) is merely some man’s , anyone’s interpretation of his own beliefs . What forgiving & loving GOD could shun an entire group of ppl , so many that are gifts to our very being ?? Please help me on my journey to believe . You came into my life by pure happenstance , somewhat of its own miracle & I need both u and others to help me become a true believer especially in a time of tragedy that I feel I am now presently living in …BLM
Hi, Barri. Just start now – right where you are – being honest with God about how you feel and that you don’t know how to begin this journey in discovering Who God is. Perhaps decide to read the Bible for five minutes every day. But before you begin to read His Word each day, ask God to help you understand what you are reading. Consider starting reading the book of John in the New Testament. Then after you’ve finished reading for the day, spend a couple of minutes thinking about what you’ve read, again asking God to give you understanding. I’d like for you to try doing this every day for two weeks. Then let me know how it’s going, okay? God wants to have a close and personal relationship with you, Barri. Invest in the time it takes to allow that to happen.
Barri, Jesus gave His life on the cross so that all those who trust in Christ’s death as payment for their sins can go to heaven. The key is whether we’ve repented of our sins and accept Jesus sacrifice as paying the price for our sin. It’s not about how good we are – or how bad we are. It’s whether we accept Jesus’ death and resurrection as payment for our sins. If a heterosexual person who commits adultery repents for his/her sin and knows Jesus as their Savior that person will go to heaven. The same goes for a person who practices homosexuality: if that person repents and accepts Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for their sin, he/she will go to heaven. Does that make sense?
Thank you for dropping by Today Can Be Different, Barri. I hope to “see” you again.