Doubt is such a nosy neighbor. We love when things are going our way, and our faith is strong. But even in the best of times, our minds can wander away toward negative thoughts. We doubt the blessings will continue. After all, we’ve been disappointed before. We’ve learned that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Even in the sunshine, some of us our tempted to put on our raincoats.
And if we can doubt God a little when all is calm, our faith may really get shaken in the storm. Thankfully, God is greater than our doubts. God is faithful, and He will prove over and over that you can trust Him.
Once a man came to Jesus with an urgent need regarding his son. The man had sought desperately for the relief his child needed, but no one was able to help. You can hear the discouragement in his words. He asks the Lord, “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (Mark 9:22).
Jesus doesn’t miss the doubt in the man’s request: “And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can’!” The man had heard of Jesus and His power. He thought Jesus could help. He hoped Jesus could help. But he wasn’t quite sure. There was still some doubt. Then Jesus makes it clear that His power is limitless. But He requires our trust.
Jesus says, “All things are possible for one who believes.” (v. 23). So when we struggle with doubts about God and His grace, let us learn from the man’s response: “immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” (v. 24). Faith is being completely dependent on God—even depending on Him to give us more faith when our doubts arise.
