Abiding Hope: Standing in Faith When Life Is Crumbling a 3-Day Plan by Jackie Smith-BellSample

Abiding Hope: When Trust Is Hard

In preparation for an upcoming marathon, I woke up early, donned my work out gear, grabbed my headphones, and dashed out the door for a long-distance run. However, my reasoning quickly shifted to me pouring out my heart and honestly telling Jesus about my trust issues.

I'd been praying for a family member’s health for years and hadn't seen much progress. Part of me wanted to believe God would restore my loved one's health, but another part of me doubted He ever would.

In a moment of honest reflection, we read a similar story in Mark 9:17-29 where the father of a demon possessed boy acknowledged both his belief and unbelief (Mark 9:24).

Since childhood, an evil spirit had overtaken his son’s speech, causing him to gnash at the teeth and foam at the mouth. At times the spirit even endangered the boy’s life by throwing him into fire and water (Mark 9:21-22).

Heartbroken, the father first went to Jesus' disciples for help, but after they couldn’t drive the demon out, doubt set in.

Perhaps years before, this dad wouldn't have sought after healing for his son, because of his son's noticeable affliction, but news had gotten around about Jesus' power to cast out unclean spirits. This testimony gave the boy's father a glimpse of hope mixed with doubt when he cried out to Jesus, "If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (Mark 9:22 NIV).

With both reprimand and comfort, Jesus responded, "Everything is possible for one who believes" (Mark 9:23). The father replied with a statement both you and I can relate to when we’re struggling with trust issues...,

"I believe but help my unbelief."

As believers, we can either choose to carry burdens that crush us, or we can entrust them to God who is faithful to keep us when life pulls us apart.

Our faith pursuit is cultivated over time. How much our trust grows depends on our willingness to:

•Release control

•Recognize God’s authority

•Abide in His faithfulness

When the father chose to seek healing for his son, it led him to the only One who could heal his son... Jesus! When the father encountered Jesus, his son’s health was restored, and the man's faith increased.

Reflection: Today's lesson shares a journey of tested faith. Sometimes trials meant to break us are also opportunities for breakthrough. How can you actively choose to trust God today in the midst of tested faith?

Prayer: Dear God, thank You reminding me to draw near to You when my faith veers off. Father. forgive me for doubting You. Renew my hope. Restore my joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.