Listen:
“Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24
Reflect:
“A short-cut!” my husband exclaimed and off he traipsed across the lake-bed. I was a small distance behind and watched as he blazed a new trail only to end up thigh deep in mud! He was thoroughly stuck and had to lay down flat in order to work his legs free and maneuver his way back to solid ground. I guess that’s a good picture of my life as it relates to “believing”. I want to believe and DO – until I DON’T and then, I’m just stuck in the mud of unbelief, uncertain where to turn or how to get back on feet of faith. My challenge of belief is not whether God CAN do anything, but rather, lies in the muddy mire of WILL He do what I ask?
The “can” and the “will” of it are two separate matters, but when I’m on my knees pleading for pity – I want both! The CAN of God inspires me to ask with great expectation for anything and everything my heart desires but it is the WILL of God that governs His CAN and demands that I exercise faith. Do I trust His yes or no? Will I tolerate “what happens next” if it isn’t what I’ve prayed for? In the midst of my pain or impatience, can I remember that the One to Whom I pray CAN ONLY be faithful? What then shall I believe? That I’ll always understand the answers God gives OR, that He WILL forever and always ACT with perfection and love…beyond my understanding?
Prayer of Response:
“Jesus, in Your presence I find rest for my soul and faith to believe that everything is possible for You. Draw me close to Your heart where I am reminded with Whom I am speaking and given courage to believe that You are always faithful. Amen.”
—Submitted by Judy Villanueva
Judy lives with her husband in Colorado, near the kids and grands. She completed her masters at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Spiritual Director, and writer. Her blog can be found at listeningforlove.net
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