“Immediately, the father of the child cried out, “I do believe. Help my unbelief.”” – Matthew 9:24
How can one have faith and not believe?
One of the worst diseases in the world and the Church is lack of faith. Even Catholics listen to the Bible and watch Mass as if it weren’t special – something of the past to do and maybe even be entertained by. We ask God to do this or that in our life, and when the Powerball numbers don’t match our ticket, we become disheartened and think, “God doesn’t do miracles anymore” or worse, “God must not be real.”
Don’t listen to the voice of Satan. He is screaming out these lies very loudly today. And, many many are listening. He says Jesus is just a story or a nice guy, “He doesn’t do those things you read about any more.” And, people believe that lie.
If God doesn’t give me what I want when I pray, He can’t be real or at least not nice. I mean, c’mon! Look at how great a guy I am.
This is one of the greatest if not the best thing I got from my daughter’s illness and life’s struggles. I went in with those same words – “look at all I’ve done..do this for me”. I prayed hard and full of faith that God could do a miracle. When He didn’t respond how I desired, my lack of faith was exposed. I believed God COULD heal her but my faith wasn’t strong enough to persevere when He delayed. My trust in God wasn’t deep enough to survive when God was silent.
“If it is possible for you to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus answered, “If it is possible! All things are possible for one who has faith.” Immediately, the father of the child cried out, “I do believe. Help my unbelief.” – Matthew 9:22-24
In the end, I too cried out, “Lord, I do believe, help my unbelief! I do trust in You, Jesus, help me to trust in You!”
He has answered in spades. God has sent His Spirit and saints to guide my heart and show me the weaknesses within. Those faults are seen now not as failures but as opportunities of surrender.
In just hours, we will see how Jesus replies in full faith. ““Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me. Yet not my will but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42. In this moment of physical weakness, Jesus shows us the example of faith. He shows us the answer to “I believe, help my unbelief.” Surrender.
Learn from the example of this father – we can’t believe or trust or become holy alone. Stop trying to believe. Stop trying to trust. Stop trying to become holy. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you. This is ultimately the only way to believe, trust and become holy – by turning to and surrendering to the Holy Spirit. In this ‘action’ we are given these gifts. It may be immediate or take decades but we keep believing the Spirit is listening and responding, trusting in His work and timing.
So shut out Satan’s voice – command him to get behind you and look to Jesus alone. Listen only to the voice of the Shepherd. And, see your faith grow.