Mark 9:23-24 "'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"
When the father of the demon-possessed boy says, "I do believe," he puts himself totally into Jesus' hands. He trusts Jesus to put him in touch with His healing power.
You will go to church on Sunday with the words in your heart and mind: "I do believe." You will say it in many ways throughout the service. You will be entrusting yourself to Him who suffered, died, and was raised again for you. Many people will find it important to hear you make this confession.
When the father cries, "Help me overcome my unbelief," he admits his faith is not what he wants it to be. He doesn't come with perfect faith, and he asks Jesus to increase it, knowing that only Jesus can do that.
You will not take perfect faith to church with you, either. You will take questions, doubts, concerns, and some unbelief with you. Your going will be important, though, for there you will hear the Word that puts new flesh on old bones, receive the Sacrament, and have your faith strengthened by the confession of others while you share your words of faith to strengthen them.
PRAYER: Lord, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Ecclesiastes 4-6 Acts 9:23-43
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