Clay in the Hands

This morning the devotional reading was in the book of Mark.  It was the story of a man’s son that had been possessed by a demon since birth, to the extent that the disciples could not cast it out.  The father approached Jesus asking him to do something.  Jesus responded with a comment about a lack of faith.

It would seem that the disciples, who had been able to do this before, could not handle this problem.  The idea is that even though they believed and knew the power of God, they were facing something that shook their faith.

It would be easy to snicker at the disciples and say, “they should have known better – they had seen Jesus do this and should have known God’s power was sufficient.”  But stop for a minute and think about it in your own life.  You have seen God work in your own experience and in the lives of those around you.  And yet, how often do we come face to face with a situation that rocks our world and we turn and run?

For me, I often find myself thinking, “I believe, but . . .”

I believe but why isn’t God doing something about this?  I believe, but what if God doesn’t come through?

I believe, but . . .

Jesus responded to the father by telling him that casting out this demon is possible if he believes.  The father’s answer should be our answer:

I believe – help my unbelief.

What a confession.  What an attitude of complete submission.  I believe – help me to believe more.

Today, when you face that challenge that may seem bigger than God, remember, God is big enough.  Believe it.  Take it to the bank.  Tell God you believe and then ask for the grace to help you believe even more!