...to him who believes

Mark 9:23-24

23 And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!
24 At once the father of the boy gave [an eager, piercing, inarticulate] cry with tears, and he said, Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my weakness of faith!
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     Most days...that's me.  Truthfully, I can't read this story (and a handful of others) at this point in my life without crying.  The father's desperation here nearly knocks the wind out of me.  I know that desperation.  It seems it has been my constant companion for the last year or so.  This urgency down in my gut that is constantly gnawing and stirring and moves me to action when I would rather stick my head in the sand or simply run away.  As unsettling as it is, it keeps my faith alert, and apathy at bay.

     Many people might say the man was being double-minded here, but I disagree.  I think he was being human.  But a more mature human than most of us, because he acknowledged how possible it was that he lacked perfection in this area.  I think he was saying, "If it's possible with belief, I absolutely believe.  But help me cover all my bases and fill whatever holes there are in my belief."  He knew even faith in God, is sometimes difficult without His help.  He knew what I am learning, that faith is the harder, less traveled road.  Although it may seem like people who believe in miracles are living in LaLa Land and are refusing to face the truth, it's actually the exact opposite of that.  NOT having faith is easier.  

    Think about it...What's hard about looking at circumstances and agreeing with them?  It's hard fact right in front of you.  There's nothing difficult about believing what you can see with your natural eyes.  No, what's hard is looking at symptoms 24 hours a day and forcing yourself to choose to believe that they won't be there forever.  That one day, quite possibly today, the situation is going to change, despite what most doctors or therapists would tell you.  Reconciling your emotions and your core beliefs is hard.  Daring to say I don't believe God made my child this way to teach me a lesson, I believe my child is this way because this world is broken, but God will heal him and work this together for all of our good...is hard.  Everything about faith is hard because it goes against our base nature.  And as humans, we tend to stay away from things that are hard.

     Unfortunately, the hard things, are usually the most rewarding.  Nothing that's really worth anything comes easily.  And there is nothing that God rewards more than faith.  When Israel was in the wilderness, it wasn't their constant murmuring and complaining about how difficult the journey was or even their blatant attempt to return to idolatry by squandering their inheritance on a golden calf that kept them from the promised land.  It was their refusal to believe that what God said He gave them, was really theirs.  It was only when they determined the giants in the land to be bigger than His promise to them, that they didn't get to cross over the Jordan.  

     My spirit believes, but Lord Jesus help my human frailty and unbelief.

Rom 4:20-21

20 No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, 

21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.

AMP