I expect some resistance to that title. What fuels your faith? Worship? Study? Service? Nature? Doubt doesn’t seem like the right answer.
...but consider the Gospel story known as “the healing of a boy with an evil spirit.” (Mark 9:14-32) The child’s father exclaimed to Christ: I believe; help my unbelief! (RSV) I appreciate the paradox.
Gerard Kelly, writing for Scripture Union, contends that our doubts are not an enemy of faith “if we turn them into fuel for prayer.”
I will follow his lead:
Lord Christ,
I sense your grace with my doubts and confusion. You are most likely tolerating some misguided theology, too. I am grateful.
It resonates with me…
…that we read - in the Bible’s very first book - a description of Jacob wrestling with God. (Genesis 32:24-30)
…that the disciples often missed the point of your teaching. (Matthew 15:16)
…that the father who sought your healing touch for his disabled child proclaimed, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief! (Mark 9:24)
That’s me. Wrestling. Missing the point. Questioning.
But this doubt is fuel for my faith. Praise God for that!
I’m unable to master the Bible. Let the Bible master me.
I can’t seem to advance a tight and tidy apologetic. Let me advance the faith through worship and service, through conduct and character.
Some seekers walk away in frustration. They want a formula or indisputable evidence.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, that my heart and mind are fully engaged by the Kingdom’s mystery. Continue to fuel my faith. Amen.
...but consider the Gospel story known as “the healing of a boy with an evil spirit.” (Mark 9:14-32) The child’s father exclaimed to Christ: I believe; help my unbelief! (RSV) I appreciate the paradox.
Gerard Kelly, writing for Scripture Union, contends that our doubts are not an enemy of faith “if we turn them into fuel for prayer.”
I will follow his lead:
Lord Christ,
I sense your grace with my doubts and confusion. You are most likely tolerating some misguided theology, too. I am grateful.
It resonates with me…
…that we read - in the Bible’s very first book - a description of Jacob wrestling with God. (Genesis 32:24-30)
…that the disciples often missed the point of your teaching. (Matthew 15:16)
…that the father who sought your healing touch for his disabled child proclaimed, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief! (Mark 9:24)
That’s me. Wrestling. Missing the point. Questioning.
But this doubt is fuel for my faith. Praise God for that!
I’m unable to master the Bible. Let the Bible master me.
I can’t seem to advance a tight and tidy apologetic. Let me advance the faith through worship and service, through conduct and character.
Some seekers walk away in frustration. They want a formula or indisputable evidence.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, that my heart and mind are fully engaged by the Kingdom’s mystery. Continue to fuel my faith. Amen.
