Mark 9:24; Ephesians 2:8

Hello again! 

    In order to keep (somewhat) focused here, I'm going to paraphrase the story of Mark 9:14-29.  
   Once upon a real time, there was a demon possessed boy, who had a very caring  father.  He had done anything and everything to help his son, even asking Jesus' disciples to exorcise the demon.   When they failed, this created a big commotion as to why - time for Jesus to intervene. The father begs Jesus to help 'if he can', "and Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” (v. 23) Heres the part I want you to focus on: "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24)

     Even if you've heard v.24 before, it might still catch you by surprise.  Can someone believe and still have unbelief?  The fault here lies in my wording.  We don't innately have all faith or no faith, but we are given it by God.  "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God," (Ephesians 2:8)  All things are gifts from God and these two things, grace and faith, are no exception.  We're not to judge if we believe enough or are "good" enough Christians.  The LORD gives us the portion of faith we need - its a gift.  We should be thankful and rejoice over what we have received, not mourn over what we lack.  

  Even with the man's unbelief, Jesus still cured his son.  Even with our unbelief, our heavenly Father still provides for us and loves us.  But if we trust in the belief the Holy Spirit instills in us, God does amazing things! 

    I wish you peace and courage that comes from our Savior in the knowledge of our salvation.

Love,
Sarah