Apparently, I do not need one lesson or even two. This is now a completely unintentional series. Enter post number three on the burden of a normal life.
I was cleaning the house the other day and did something that I rarely do, I turned on the TV. I navigated to a religious channel, which is another thing that I rarely do. That Kirk Cameron has really come a long way! Now you can think, “Wow, she really is out of the loop.” He did a lovely job of witnessing to people as I dusted every book in the den. Every. Book.
Another man followed Kirk, briefly touching on the story in Mark about the doubting father. Well, really it is about the boy that needed to be exorcised, but the father is the one with the crisis of faith. He says the words that I love, “If you are able”.
It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” - Mark 9:22 & 23, NRSV
The man on the TV then flipped this passage on me. This is not textually represented, mind you, so this would not hold water in seminary; but I already have my degree, so what are they going to do to me? What if the intent of that statement was - I believe that you can do this, but I doubt that you will do it for me.
Well, I nearly dropped my duster.
My rut has given me foggy spectacles. I am unable to see the spectacular for the filter that covers my heart. I am less likely to think of GOD, and more likely to think of GOD. I know what He has done. I read that. I pray that He will be GOD for those people in my life; but truth be told, I am only expecting GOD to show up in mine.
My litmus test is what we have talked about for two days. When laundry and a smile become insurmountable, I think that I need to get honest about my doubts. I believe He can do anything in the whole world including healing and rescuing, because He has done this for me. He has parted seas and made donkeys talk. He has managed a virgin birth and conquered death. Yep, He is the real deal.
But, in this frame of mind I am not expecting spectacular. I am not expecting favor. I am expecting more of the same. I believe that He can do it, I just doubt that He is going to do it for me.
Can’t you just see Jesus’ face as I state that out loud?
If you are able...
He is able, He will, He can...
And because of this...We are able, We will, We can.
So, let’s do it.
Fabulous post. Such a great message...so very true! Thanks. :) Are you going to the blog conference on May 1st? It's in Phoenix, I just heard about it this morning. If so, it would be cool to meet you.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, Tracy, you spoke directly into my heart! Thanks, I needed that.
ReplyDeleteOh, I totally get this! That is EXACTLY what I was thinking when I was stuck in the pit of my own making. That yes, Jesus was powerful and amazing enough to get others out of similar situations, but He would never do that for ME.
ReplyDeleteAnd then He showed me just how powerful He is - and that yes, indeed He is powerful enough to rescue me from that dark place. And did. He is so amazing! And He is so able - we just have to be willing.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteAs I read I believe that He can do it, I just doubt that He is going to do it for me.
I was struck with how I feel the same way. I am just to afraid to say it. How funny is that. He knows. He knows my heart. He knows my doubts.
Why do I try to keep that hidden.
Something to ponder.
I enjoyed this post. Recently, I felt the Lord say to me that I had faith for others to be healed, heard and shown favour to, but I did not believe that for myself. This post was right no the money for me. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThis post shows me that God is totally preparing you for Beth Moore! This is a key passage and part of her message that changed my life while doing one of her studies. I can't wait for more from her this weekend!!!
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