Do you ever have doubts? Does something either happen, or not happen, which causes you to wonder if God is really there? I think if we’re honest, most of us have experienced moments of disbelief from time to time. Those instances can be distressing. The good news is God can handle our doubts! He knows us better than we know ourselves and He knows exactly where we are on our faith journey.

I am reminded of the healing miracle Jesus performed when a worried father brought his ill son to Him. The father’s pleading to Jesus to heal his son was unsure. “…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus responded by telling the father that, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”…and the boy was healed (Mark 9:22-24, paraphrased).


At first glance, my understanding of that passage was only surface deep. I assumed Jesus was telling the man to believe that his son would be healed. But, then, upon pondering more and digging into His word, a deeper meaning was found. The belief, or faith, that Jesus was talking about was regarding Him! He was asking the distraught father if he believed that Jesus was the Christ and could heal the boy, not simply that the boy would be healed. This was a lesson in faith in Jesus as Lord, not faith in healing.

God understands that we will have times of doubt. He is a loving God and He welcomes us to come to Him, even with our weak faith. His word tells us that the mustard seed, though very tiny, will grow into a great plant when encouraged. So, likewise, when we come to Him, with faith as small as a mustard seed, He will strengthen and reassure us! I encourage you, if you enter into a time of uncertainty, to first pray and seek God. Ask Him to strengthen your faith in Him and remove your doubts, just as the father in the passage above did. The closer we come to God, the deeper our relationship with Him will be and the greater our faith in Him will become. Rather than simply believing in the outcome of what God can do, pray for increased faith in God Himself. For when we have faith in God, we will experience the incredible blessing of His sovereign answers to our prayers.

“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and  planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’" Matthew 13:31-32

God’s character doesn’t change. Think back over the times when God has been a tangible force in your life. Remember the miracles, the answered prayers – and the blessed “coincidences” that happen just at the right time. Mark them down and make a record of them. God is always active and always at work for His good purposes. He has been writing our testimonies our entire lives…let’s remember them, share them, and be encouraged! The result will be that as we draw nearer to God and cultivate our relationship with Him, our faith in Him will grow! When we remember and share with thanksgiving the wonderful things that God has done in and for our lives, things that weren’t necessarily what we expected as the answers to our prayers, our mustard-seed faith will grow strong. He will encourage us through our praises of Him and as we glorify His name, our doubts will disappear…for everything is possible for one who believes…in Him!

Believing in Him,
Joan


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14 Comments

  1. Such a beautiful post! I'm so thankful that we can go to God with even our doubts and uncertainties. We serve a wonderful Lord! Thank you for the inspiring words :)

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    1. Yes we do! He is such an understanding and compassionate Father!

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  2. Thanks for the encouraging reminder that God understands our times of doubts and that His character does not change. Remembering that He is with me, through all of my ups, downs, doubts, and fears, is always a comfort. Wishing you a blessed week!

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    1. It is so good to know, isn't it? No matter how the wind blows us, our God never changes! He is with us through all things, encouraging us and strengthening our "mustard seed" faith!

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  3. Joan! That was my initial coming-to-faith prayer! "I believe. Help Thou my unbelief!" And oh, have I prayed that often since! And oh, has He ever answered, every time--however, more often than not, by first taking me through tough stuff in which I was almost forced to trust Him. I see honesty to God about our doubts as one of the most important factors in building our faith!

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    1. That's awesome! And God is so faithful...He will increase our faith as we look to Him. What a gift!

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  4. Years ago my mom had a little necklace. It was a small glass globe, with a very small mustard seed inside of it. She told me all about the faith of a mustard seed, and the lesson was very powerful because of the visual of the necklace. God has a way of growing our *mustard seeds* into trees of great faith!

    This week beauty is found in leaving behind childish things, and reaching out to Him in childlike faith.

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. What a great necklace and visual lesson for you! Isn't it amazing how something so small can grow into something so big?

      Blessings, Joan

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  5. I always find it interesting that when God does something in my life, especially if it's some sort of miracle, I'm surprised...did I doubt He could? Or do I keep forgetting His power? Thanks for hosting, and for a great thought-provoking article.

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    1. That happens to me as well, but why should we be surprised? We are funny creatures, aren't we? I'm so glad that even when our faith is small or we seem to forget the awesomeness of God's power, He still does what is best. And, He increases our faith in the process!

      Blessings, Joan

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  6. Joan, I feel like you've been reading over my shoulder. I'm preparing a retreat and you echoed two of my points. Great affirmation I'm on the right track! Thanks so much for sharing.

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    1. I'm so glad that you found confirmation through my post! That is such an encouragement to me...God's word always has purpose and will reach exactly whom God intended! Blessings to you today and on your upcoming retreat!

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  7. Rejoicing that even the mustard seed of faith that I'm capable of offering at times flourishes into something beautiful! Beautiful post!!! Thank you for blessing me today!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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    1. Thanks, Lori! I love how God will always use what we offer and do something great!

      Blessings, Joan

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