Hi
Being a tropical bird; it’s taking a little out of me to adjust to the 40 degree weather. It doesn’t matter that I’ve done -19 before; right now my body resists. It’s the same with our new nature isn’t it; sometimes adjusting to God’s way isn’t easy, even tho we have experienced God’s grace and provision before.
Here’s today’s nougat
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9.24
Now, the father had come seeking help from the disciples for his son. Nothing. He complains to Jesus; kind of questingly (I know it doesn’t exist but it captures the essence of what he did), and Jesus turns out back on him before actually healing the son.
Jesus asks point blank; “do you believe that I can heal him?” I think that’s when the rubber meets the road. For, Jesus’s name was good but his followers had proven this was one of those instabilities. Hmmmmm, how does a caring dad respond.
With honesty.
“I do, kinda sorta”
With desperation.
“Help me move past fear to faith”
With love for his son
His eyes filled with tears
When it’s our situation – and we’re on desperation bench; the charlatans can’t help, doctors n counselors can’t help, all the treatment in the world don’t help, the real pastors can’t do it – but the Still Small Voice of the Holy Spirit asks “do you believe?”; what is our soul’s response?
Will we be honest – knowing that we’ve professed Christianity forever
Will desperation respond for us – knowing that God’s our only chance for breakthrough
Will love (for ourself or the one in need) guide our response – knowing that perfect love drives fear away?
I’m discovering that fear cripples. It sucks the very life out of us. It drains or confidence, messes up our hope and even affects our health. But worst of all, Fear counters our Faith.
So what road do I choose …
Fear – which destroys my spiritual life
or Faith – which works with Perfect Love to drive away my fear?
What do you choose?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
