“And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood.   It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, help us! Have compassion on us!”    Jesus said to him, “If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:20-24, NRSV).

     Mark’s gospel tells the story of a father who found himself in a state of futility. The father’s young son was possessed by a demon that was making the boy’s life miserable. The only thing the father knew to do was to bring his son to Jesus.

In a fit of exasperation, the father said to Jesus, “…if you are able to do anything, help us” (Mark 9:22, NRSV). In response, Jesus told the father, “All things can be done for the one who believes. Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help me with my unbelief’” (Mark 9:23-24 ).

     Who among us hasn’t spoken these words? These are words of honest desperation. In reality the father is saying, “I believe you can heal my paralytic son, Jesus, but there’s a part of me that has its doubts.”

     Faith and doubt are uncomfortable companions. They intertwine themselves in the deepest reaches of our souls. Throughout our lives we have been taught that doubt is the opposite of faith. Many of us have been taught that if we harbor any doubts then we truly don’t believe.

     However, the Scriptures have a different understanding of faith. Faith is action oriented. Faith is a verb. Faith is obedience with feet. Given such a definition doubt, then, is not the opposite of faith. Disobedience is faith’s antagonist.

     The story is told of a young girl from Macedonia named Agnes. Agnes sensed a call from God to travel to India. As she rode the train to Calcutta, Agnes felt an overwhelming sense of fear. A disturbing thought entered her mind: “What if I heard wrong? What if God isn’t calling me to go to this faraway land?”

     Doubt continued to haunt Agnes as she drew closer to her destination. Then, a wave of peace overcame Agnes. In her heart she heard these words from God, “I am with you.” Agnes Bojaxhiu, also known as Mother Theresa, completed her travels to Calcutta and began a mission to the homeless that became known across the globe.

     If doubt lingers in your mind today, take comfort in the knowledge that you are among good company. Who knows? God just may use your doubt to strengthen your faith.

Prayer

Lord God, I am limited by what I can see before me. Grant me the gift of faith to not only trust you but to obey your call on my life. Through Christ I pray. Amen.