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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: At Wit’s End (02/13/14)
How many times have we said, "God help me! I so want to believe Your promises. Help me believe! The facts say this is impossible!" We may be looking at our checkbook or a situation with a child in near panic. Balancing earthly apprehensions with Godly faith may seem daunting. I am encouraged by the Psalms. The Psalmists repeatedly cried out to God in despair, yet continued to praise Him.
As I read Mark 9:14-29 (NIV), I found such great hope. A man brought his son "possessed by a spirit" to the disciples, who were unable to rebuke the demon. Jesus commented on the commotion. "'O unbelieving generation,' Jesus replied, 'how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.'" The fearful, heartbroken father asked Jesus, "If you can heal him."
How often have we inquired "If you can?" to the Great Provider of all resources? We confuse earthly and spiritual realities. Like this inconsolable father, we fixate on the situational anguish. We are fearful. We have done everything humanly possible and sought every available option. Then, we finally fall to His feet and say, "I am desperate! I can't do this. There is no hope. I know I should completely trust You, but… well I just don't know if I can. Please help me Lord Jesus." I know I felt incredibly weak when I said, "Papa God, I so want to believe You can do all things; I want to believe. I really do! Help me believe. I am scared."
What a blessing to see the father in Mark 9 exclaim, "I do believe; help me overcome my disbelief." Oooohhhh what a relief; someone else understands my (our) struggle of balancing "facts" with "faith!" How long do we torture ourselves analyzing and chastising our unbelief? How long do we suffer from whatever situation because we were afraid we could not believe enough? This father says clearly (pardon my paraphrase), "Papa God, Lord Jesus, I am so scared. My little boy, whom I love as much as life itself, has been thrown into the fire and water by this spirit. He has nearly died many times. I have taken him to every doctor in town. I have gone to the priests. I even begged Your disciples to heal him. If none of these things can save my boy, I am at my wits end. In my spirit I know you can heal him, but my flesh is distraught and overwhelmed. How do I tell his mother he is still possessed (ill)? But … I believe You are who You say You are. Soooo, ok yes Lord, [taking a deep breath] I believe. And where there is doubt, open my eyes. Do not let my humanness stop Your works of grace."
I have had this conversation with our Heavenly Father many times; even though, I have witnessed amazing miracles. Yet, human emotions and self-sufficiency remain a stumbling block for so many of us. May I challenge each of us, when we pray over that checkbook or child, we take a deep breath and say, "Ok God, here I am. My heart is aching, my mind is spinning, and the facts say there is no hope. BUT I surrender now. I humble myself before You. Let the belief of my spirit sing songs of praise for the works You have and will do." Let us be like this father and King David, allowing ourselves to be fully human while standing on the promises of His provision.
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This article has been read 480 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Wendy B McLain
02/21/14
All too often it's easy to say we believe until tragedy, loss or fear grip our lives.

You chose an excellent example out of the bible to share about someone being at their wit's end.

It was a little tough for me to follow it through. I had to go back a few times looking for quotations to see who was saying what. It would help to double space your paragraphs for easier reading.

Excellent story. Keep writing!

God bless~
C D Swanson 
02/21/14
Simply beautiful words of wisdom that resonate truth. So many times we all have found ourselves thinking and saying the same thing.

Thanks for the timely reminder.

God bless~
Grace Merkey
02/21/14
Even though God has answered my prayers in the past, still sometimes I am fearful and impatient. I also need to say, "Help thou my unbelief." Maybe this is true for all?
Toni Babcock 
02/22/14
Great scripture reference to use to illustrate your topic.
Breaking up the article into paragraphs when appropriate would enhance the reading.
Richard Hicks
02/24/14
I think you did a great job. I can tell you put a lot of thought into what you were going to say, and you said it very well.

Keep writing!

If you haven't visited the forums yet, I encourage you to do that and post in the Newbie Nook. There is some great information over there and a great group of people.

God Bless!



Larry Whittington
02/25/14
Yes, we must take up our cross daily and follow him. We are lost if we don't do this daily.

Double space for a better reading copy.

The emotions easily flowed. It was clearly written and the points made.

Keep your heart in heaven and your eyes in his word.