October 12 | Overcoming Lack of Faith

Series | The Overcoming Life

Scripture | Mark 9:19, “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

Lesson 12 | Lack of Faith, “I Doubt God’s Word”

In the above passage Jesus is responding to the ineffectiveness of His disciple’s faith to cast out an evil spirit in a young boy.  Instead of compromising or lowering the standard of having faith in God’s delivering power he actually rebukes them and shares His frustration with not only them but their entire generation!

“You unbelieving generation” is a rebuke both to Jesus’ disciples and to the bystanders because they probably thought that the reason the boy wasn’t healed was because it wasn’t God’s will.  Does that sound familiar?  Today most people, even in the church, when confronted with unanswered prayer try to take the “easy” way out and blame God by saying, “It just wasn’t God’s will.”

The disciples tried to “pray” for the evil spirit to leave with whatever “faith” they had, but after the spirit wouldn’t leave they probably just thought, “We had faith and prayed so there is nothing else we can do now.  Maybe its just not God’s will to set the child free.” 

Thus, the boy’s father came to Jesus and said in Mark 9:22, “…if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”  Please notice Jesus’ response in verse 23, “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Jesus was direct with the man’s statement, “if you can,” He boldly declared, “Everything is possible for one who believes!”  Thus, if you find yourself doubting God and saying things like, “I wonder if God can change me” or “Can God really heal me?” or “God, can you really save my marriage or my lost child?”  The answer from Jesus is always; “Everything is possible for the one who believes!”

Doubt is not of God, faith is- so trust God over your doubts.  Doubt your doubts!  If you lack faith read God’s Word and let faith arise in your heart- for nothing is impossible for those who believe, Matthew 17:20!  Jesus delivered the boy and will deliver you.

If you have doubted God’s power pray this out loud, “Jesus, please forgive me of my unbelief.  I humbly ask you to teach me in your Word to have faith in what you say and promise.  I declare today is a new day of amazing faith and miracles in my life. Amen.”     

    

Reflection | Do you believe Jesus can deliver you from all your sins, troubles, and emotional pain?

Action | (1) Repent if you have allowed doubt and faithlessness to dwell in your heart. (2) Pray and mediate on God’s Word daily to grow and develop your faith, Romans 10:17 & Jude 1:20. (3) Lastly, whenever your prayers are not answered don’t doubt God but rather doubt your doubts and remain in faith!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Jeremiah 19:1-21:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28, Psalm 82:1-8, & Proverbs 25:9-10. Click here to read online.