Believer’s Paradox (Mk 9:24) by Dr. Rich Reich

20 May Believer’s Paradox (Mk 9:24) by Dr. Rich Reich

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion(FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“Then the boy’s father cried out, ‘I do believe, help my unbelief!'” ~Mk 9:24 (full readings)
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Rich’s Reflections:  In today’s Gospel, the faith of the father of a possessed boy is severely tested.  The father tells Jesus, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (Mk 9:21-22).  Jesus replies, “‘If you can!’  Everything is possible to one who has faith” (Mk 9:23).  Then the father replies, “I do believe!  Help my unbelief.”  How paradoxical is this response, for it is almost a contradiction in terms.  If the father is a genuine believer, then why should he bemoan his unbelief?  In graduate school I experienced a similar paradox.  The more I learned, the more I knew what I did not know.  Unbelief is the great burden of Christians.  It encumbers our spiritual movements and impedes our walk with Christ.  There are times when the believer fears that they have abandoned their spiritual relationship with God.  Mother Teresa experienced this so-called “dark night of the soul”, which is documented in the publication of her letters and writings in Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta.  There is encouragement for those who are burdened with unbelief.  It is not until God has communicated faith that any soul is conscious of its unbelief.  Therefore, a living faith is necessary in order to recognize our dead unbelief!
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team.  He is married to Erica and lives in Satellite Beach, FL.  Full bio.
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Faith Challenge:  Reflect on your faith and ask Jesus to help your unbelief.
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray.
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Faith Quote: “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” ~ Mother Teresa
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Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22