For many people, the summer of 2021 was very challenging. We all expected the pandemic would be in the rearview mirror by now and we would again resume "normal" living. However, the pandemic appears to be lingering beyond our expectations. Covid-19 has taken up a lot of time and energy in people's lives but the challenge becomes even greater when we experience unexpected situations. This has certainly been true for me this summer. My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has since undergone surgery and the prognosis is positive. However, the week before his surgery he was diagnosed with melanoma. Needless to say, this was an unexpected, unforeseen, and unwelcome situation. These circumstances have certainly challenged my faith. The struggle has taken its toll on me spiritually, physically, and emotionally. In my work as a mental health counselor, it has been difficult to encourage others while I am operating out of a place of personal discouragement. I am thankful for the many friends and family who have been praying for us.
An Imperfect Faith
During this difficult season I am drawn to the story of the father in Mark chapter 9 whose son was possessed by an impure spirit. Prior to this encounter, Jesus' closest disciples had just witnessed the transfiguration and are now rejoining the others. In Jesus absence the father of the possessed boy had asked the other disciples to heal his son but they were unsuccessful. The father, quite distraught, brings his son to Jesus for healing. However, at this point the father's faith is on shaky ground. After explaining to Jesus the history of his son's dilemma the father says to Jesus, "But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us." (Mark 9:22b NIV) Jesus responds, "If You can? Everything is possible for one who believes." (Mark 9:23 NIV) The text goes on to tell us, "Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24 NIV) Jesus subsequently goes on to heal the boy. The father's statement appears to be a paradox. How can belief and unbelief exist at the same time? What the father is actually asking for is more faith or a deepening of his faith. He is acknowledging that as a human being his faith is not perfect. The father is in need of Jesus' help not only to physically heal his son but spiritually and emotionally strengthen him. I can relate to this man's struggle. As a pastor, I receive no special favor from God and I am not exempt from trials. Life is not easy and our faith is often tested when we have no control over circumstances that negatively impact us and the ones we love. However, Jesus did not walk away from this man or his son. Jesus did not tell the father that because of his spiritual struggle, his son could not be healed.
A Perfect Lord
We need to remember that like this father our faith is not perfect but Jesus is. Even the apostles in Luke 17 made a similar request like the father of this boy, "The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" He (Jesus) replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." (Luke 17:5-6 NIV) So, I can move forward even in the uncertainty of what the future holds for us. I can rest in the assurance that Jesus will never leave or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5) He will not judge me for what I perceive as an inadequate amount of faith. One of the members in our church family stated that he recently listened online to one of his brother-in-law's sermons. The point that stood out to him is a good word for us all. His brother-in-law preached that in times of uncertainty, "We don't know how but we do know Who!" May the Lord bless, keep, and sustain you in whatever difficulties and challenges you are facing or will face in the days ahead.
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Sheree
