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HOW'S YOUR FAITH?

Nothing will test your faith like seeing a loved one suffer. Whether it’s your spouse, a parent, or a child, your heart feels ripped apart when you see them hurting. The emotional strain can lead to questions many Christians won’t admit to asking. Are you there, God? Do you see this? Why aren’t you doing anything? … Are you even real?

Imagine yourself in the place of the father in today’s story. He’s been desperate for a long time. Something unexplainable happened when his son was just a child. A dark presence gripped his boy and it won’t let go. For years the family has battled an unseen evil. More than once the father has jumped into water, perhaps the Sea of Galilee, to rescue the boy from drowning. More than once he’s wrestled his child back from open flames, probably burning himself in the process (v.22).

Can you imagine how this tested his faith in God? We stand in hospital hallways, whispering questions like, “God, why are you letting my mom suffer?” This man likely stood outside, searching the stars and whispering, “God, why is my son suffering?”

These desperate prayers are hard to admit to, but they are actually the seeds of faith. As Pastor Rick said in the video, “You get to choose how much God blesses your life.” That’s exactly what the father in today’s Scripture chooses. “Help me overcome my unbelief!” This desperate plea is also a declaration of faith. He believes that Jesus can transform not only his son’s life, but his faith, too.

Over the next six days you’ll be introduced to the six phases of faith. Each day’s devotional reading will include a brief video from Pastor Rick, as well as a new article that will draw your heart to God’s heart. You will learn what it takes to have faith in God’s dream for your life, and how to navigate the inevitable challenges you’ll face along the way. When your faith is tested, rest assured that Jesus welcomes your desperate prayers. Jesus responds to desperate prayers with compassion, wisdom, and love.

Reflection

How do you feel about discussing unbelief about God with God?

Rick Warren has said, “Faith is like a muscle. It needs to be exercised. It needs to be developed.” What exercises your faith?

Read about the love and faithfulness of God in Lamentations 3:22-23.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I struggle to believe in your power sometimes. I struggle, especially, when someone is suffering. Lord, help me overcome my unbelief! Transform the hardest situation with your compassion and wisdom. Amen.