The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Embracing Faith Amidst Doubt
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Embracing Faith Amidst Doubt
Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24
Introduction
As we delve into the complexities of faith and doubt, we find ourselves accompanied by spiritual luminaries, including Mother Teresa. Her forthright admission in Come Be My Light, stating, “Where is my Faith?—even deep down right in there is nothing but emptiness & darkness.… If there be God—please forgive me,” echoes the sincere plea of a father in Mark 9:24: "I believe; help my unbelief!"
What approach should we take towards our doubts or the feeling of God's absence? These experiences may pose greater challenges for some believers than others. However, it is a common experience for numerous devout followers of Jesus to go through times of doubt at some point in their spiritual journey, whether these are brief moments or longer periods.
Reflection
Scripture beautifully captures the intricate dance between faith and doubt, particularly evident in prayer. A poignant example is found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter nine, which recounts the story of a father and his son, who had been tormented by demonic forces since childhood. This narrative reaches a climax when the father is presented with Jesus’ assertion about the power of faith: “Everything is possible for the one who believes.” The father’s response is a heartfelt blend of confession and aspiration: “I believe; help my unbelief!” His words poignantly reflect the complexity of faith—a mix of trust and trepidation, belief and uncertainty.
This duality of faith is also echoed in the life of Mother Teresa, as revealed in her introspective words. Her admission of struggling with belief and doubt simultaneously speaks to a deeper truth about the nature of faith. It’s not a monolithic, unwavering conviction but a fluid journey, often navigating through both clear and murky waters. The parallel between her experiences and the father's in Mark 9 underscores that faith encompasses a spectrum of experiences—from the brightness of firm belief to the shadows of doubt and questioning. Their stories collectively remind us that faith is dynamic, evolving through experiences of both assurance and ambiguity.
Application
In our own spiritual journeys, we may encounter similar valleys of doubt and darkness. It's essential to recognize these moments not as failures of faith, but as opportunities for growth. When doubts arise, we can follow the example of the father in Mark 9 and Mother Teresa by openly acknowledging our struggles and seeking divine assistance in our unbelief. This act of vulnerability before God is a powerful step in deepening our faith.
Conclusion
The journey of faith is one that encompasses both mountains of certainty and valleys of doubt. Mother Teresa's experience, much like the father's plea in Mark 9, teaches us that faith and doubt can coexist. Our spiritual growth is often found in the honest admission of our doubts and a sincere request for divine help in overcoming them.
Prayer
Dear God, like the father in Mark 9 and Mother Teresa, we come before You acknowledging the complexities of our faith. We believe, yet we face moments of doubt and darkness. In these times, help us to remember that our journey with You is not defined by unwavering certainty, but by a willingness to trust in Your presence, even in the midst of our unbelief. Guide us through our doubts, illuminate our darkness, and strengthen our faith. We ask for Your forgiveness and grace as we navigate these spiritual valleys, trusting in Your unfailing love and guidance. Amen.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
As we delve into the complexities of faith and doubt, we find ourselves accompanied by spiritual luminaries, including Mother Teresa. Her forthright admission in Come Be My Light, stating, “Where is my Faith?—even deep down right in there is nothing but emptiness & darkness.… If there be God—please forgive me,” echoes the sincere plea of a father in Mark 9:24: "I believe; help my unbelief!"
What approach should we take towards our doubts or the feeling of God's absence? These experiences may pose greater challenges for some believers than others. However, it is a common experience for numerous devout followers of Jesus to go through times of doubt at some point in their spiritual journey, whether these are brief moments or longer periods.
Reflection
Scripture beautifully captures the intricate dance between faith and doubt, particularly evident in prayer. A poignant example is found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter nine, which recounts the story of a father and his son, who had been tormented by demonic forces since childhood. This narrative reaches a climax when the father is presented with Jesus’ assertion about the power of faith: “Everything is possible for the one who believes.” The father’s response is a heartfelt blend of confession and aspiration: “I believe; help my unbelief!” His words poignantly reflect the complexity of faith—a mix of trust and trepidation, belief and uncertainty.
This duality of faith is also echoed in the life of Mother Teresa, as revealed in her introspective words. Her admission of struggling with belief and doubt simultaneously speaks to a deeper truth about the nature of faith. It’s not a monolithic, unwavering conviction but a fluid journey, often navigating through both clear and murky waters. The parallel between her experiences and the father's in Mark 9 underscores that faith encompasses a spectrum of experiences—from the brightness of firm belief to the shadows of doubt and questioning. Their stories collectively remind us that faith is dynamic, evolving through experiences of both assurance and ambiguity.
Application
In our own spiritual journeys, we may encounter similar valleys of doubt and darkness. It's essential to recognize these moments not as failures of faith, but as opportunities for growth. When doubts arise, we can follow the example of the father in Mark 9 and Mother Teresa by openly acknowledging our struggles and seeking divine assistance in our unbelief. This act of vulnerability before God is a powerful step in deepening our faith.
Conclusion
The journey of faith is one that encompasses both mountains of certainty and valleys of doubt. Mother Teresa's experience, much like the father's plea in Mark 9, teaches us that faith and doubt can coexist. Our spiritual growth is often found in the honest admission of our doubts and a sincere request for divine help in overcoming them.
Prayer
Dear God, like the father in Mark 9 and Mother Teresa, we come before You acknowledging the complexities of our faith. We believe, yet we face moments of doubt and darkness. In these times, help us to remember that our journey with You is not defined by unwavering certainty, but by a willingness to trust in Your presence, even in the midst of our unbelief. Guide us through our doubts, illuminate our darkness, and strengthen our faith. We ask for Your forgiveness and grace as we navigate these spiritual valleys, trusting in Your unfailing love and guidance. Amen.
-------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
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