Mark relates the story of a father begging Jesus to cast an evil spirit from his son. His son is afflicted by seizures that keep him from productive living. The father asks Jesus to help him "if he can". Jesus responds, "If you can? All things are possible for those who believe." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."
How like that are we.....we who call ourselves Christian. We ask in our prayers, but we have no real expectation, no real faith that God will hear and answer our prayer. Perhaps, we say, that which I ask for is not in God's perfect will.....perhaps. Perhaps this bad thing is God's way of punishing me or refining me or training me or making me more patience.....perhaps. And perhaps we receive not because we pray haltingly, faithlessly, unbelieving and untrusting. God is a God of power, perfect love. He walks with us through the valley of the shadow, he fills our cup to overflowing, he prepares a table before us in the very presence of our enemies. God is able to handle all of our problems. "would you God, could you God?" That is a prayer without power.
I do believe, heavenly father, help me to overcome my unbelief.
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