Sunday, July 25, 2010

Imperfect Faith

Mark 9:14-29 is one of my favorite stories in all the Bible and verse 24 just might be my favorite verse. 

In the story, Jesus and three of his closest disciples come down from a mountaintop experience (and literally a mountain) to meet argument, an evil spirit and the inability of the disciples to heal a boy. 

Jesus is frustrated with the whole situation and talks to the father of the boy with the evil spirit.  The father says "if you can do anything, take pity on us."  Jesus says "all things are possible for those who believe."  Then the father says "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief."

I love it.  The father has a mixture of faith and doubt and is honest with Jesus.  And Jesus honors his honesty by healing the boy.  Jesus doesn't chide the father for not having 100% faith, because its not about our faith.  Its about the power of God.  And I believe one way to unleash God's power in our lives is simply by being honest with Him, just as the father was.

That was my point in the sermon today: Jesus honors our honesty. 

May you choose to be honest with God and in doing so find a God who honors your honesty.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post Rich. Just wanted to let you know we are praying and thinking about you in your new position. Hope you and the family are well.

Ben, Lisa & Mikaela Stuck

Rich Tuttle said...

Thanks Stuck's! I like what you named your baby girl!