Do you fight to believe that Jesus is real? Thoughts of unbelief and doubt can feel like a wrestling match. The hustle and bustle of the start of school are definitely now in full swing. We find ourselves settling in, finding our way, maneuvering around traffic and shopping carts. The sound of routine is a welcoming sound, but let’s be mindful to include Jesus in our daily scene.
When Doubt & Unbelief Are Near
It’s easy to jump start our day with an agenda of everything that needs to be done. There are uniforms to wash and dishes to be put away, and milk to pick up on our way. It is here in our everyday chaos that we can get caught up in our own lil’ worlds. And forget the importance of intentionally seeking Jesus, the Life Giver of our souls.
The disciples saw Jesus day in and day out and yet, it was a fight to believe. They traveled with him everywhere. Face-to-face they saw Him heal the lame and give sight to the blind, and make the leper’s sores go away. Two loaves and five fish fed the masses. And Lazarus comes forth from the grave. They saw it all, and still they struggled…it was a fight to believe.
Miracle after miracle is performed. “Everyone who touched it [garment of Jesus] was made well” (Mark 6:56). Despite the miraculous signs that Jesus performed, the disciples wrestled within. Is Jesus really who He says He is? Can we trust what He says?
Jesus is Present Today
We, like the disciples, have our doubts. Questioning if God’s Word is the truth. Maybe we’ve experienced Jesus up close in our lives, but in the midst of our chaos we forget. Or possibly we settle for the things we can see…the things we can reach out and touch. Maybe we determine to do things our way, rather than take a step of faith.
But here today, Jesus is still present. He is calling on us to believe. He is telling us our emotions are untrustworthy. We will have to stand firm in our faith. Even if life is sailing smoothly, we must not neglect time in God’s Word. His Word is a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105). In the midst of the storm and in the calm, Jesus beckons us to spend time with Him alone.
Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.” 1 Cor. 16:13
Rather than waiting for an emotional response, choose to be faithful today. Continue to fight to believe! Grab your Bible and spend time with God, and ask Him to do a work in your heart.
What has God taught you in the desert times of your life? Keep up the fight to believe!
sometimes I find myself praying – “God I believe – help my unbelief”……
I absolutely love my morning time with the Lord. He helps me to center my day on Him and it helps me get everything else into perspective. Thanks for the great reminders.
Thank you for this reminder! It seems so easy to get caught up in day to day life without acknowledging and spending time with the one who gave us life.
I think those desert times and seasons of struggle are often invitations to draw closer to God as we persevere and keep pressing in. Sometimes we just have to cling to what we know is true.
I have been working on this for so long. Acting on my faith and not my emotions or circumstances. I think we’ve all been there. And I find I am more likely to stand firm when I start my morning off with God and His Word. It’s obvious when I start it any other day. I need that encouragement and that reminder in the mornings.