Random thoughts from my early morning reading to get you thinking:
I wish I did it more often: As a pastor I speak a lot of words-some unsolicited (Hmmmmm), some as part of a conversation, and some much-needed and appreciated. Words of encouragement. Words of guidance. And sometimes…sometimes…words of wisdom. 🙂 It goes without saying that I don’t always have the right answer or, in fact, the right anything. But sometimes I say the right thing to fit the occasion or the person’s need. Proverbs 25:11 says, “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” (NLT) The ESV translates that verse as “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
Will my words be remembered for the hope, direction, encouragement and wisdom they gave? Now THAT is something to think about!
On faith: I’ve always been intrigued by the story in Mark 9 of the father with the demon-possessed son and his encounter with Jesus. When Jesus comes on the scene, His disciples have been unable to cast a demon out of a young boy. The father than asks Jesus to do it. The exchange is what intrigues me:
- Jesus: “How long has this been happening?”
- Father: “Since he was a little boy…Have mercy on us and help us, IF YOU CAN.” (emphasis mine)
- Jesus: “What do you mean ‘If I can?’ Anything is possible if a person believes.”
- Father: “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Jesus then heals the boy by casting out the demon. The issue is not casting out the demon but the man’s faith. My way of seeing this is like the man is saying (using a ruler as an example), “I have 5 inches of faith. Make it 12 inches.” Simplistic I know. But the man is simply saying, “What I have I bring. Help me have greater faith.” Jesus obliged.
Warning: this is not a name-it claim-it example. It is simply an example of Jesus’ ability to do the miraculous even if all we have is a mustard seed of faith. Bring what we have and trust.
There is more from Mark 9 to chat about but maybe another day. I’ll simply say, “Think on these things.”
I’ve always loved this story, Bill. It is so true of so many – we do believe that God can do miraculous things, but it is our own human nature to withhold that complete trust in Him. Lord, forgive us, forgive me.
Blessings!
You are so right Martha. our human nature often puts the brakes on our ability to see God at work.
Sometimes the perfect words of wisdom, is simply to be still and listen. Wearing that belt of love and truth is extremely important when giving advice. When we say the right things at the right time, with encouragement and love, and lift someone up, that is the best feeling.
We all need God to encourage our faith and grow our trust at times. Great story in Mark, it teaches us that God will not push away when we say our faith is weak, God will strengthen our faith. No matter what the situation is, God is always the correct answer. Father, we know You are the answer, but sometimes our weakness leads us to other sources, please strengthen our faith and trust so that we can overcome every weakness and believe and trust God first every time.
Good words Gail about saying the perfect words of wisdom. Sometimes it does mean listening more and speaking less. I like your thoughts about God not being pushed away. If that was the case, I’d be alone a lot.
Good morning Pastor Bill. I truly love this and it has caused me to really consider the subject of “deep faith”. I think I have deep faith but is it really all in faith? I was critically injured in an ATV accident in the mountains of Kentucky several years ago. I was flown by lifeline helicopter to a trauma center in TN. After some time in the ER, I have no idea how long I was transferred to intensive care. The doctors told me I’d be there for 7-10 days. Bernice and I prayed and we knew many in the area and have no doubt they were praying. Bernice was active in BSF and the call went out for prayer. This was Saturday. On Monday I walked out of the hospital, sore but walking. The doctors in the intensive care unit came to me before we left and asked if I could explain my recovery. I told them I had many praying for me. They nodded their heads and walked out of the room. Since that time, my faith in God and his power have most certainly been amplified but, am I all in?
Thanks for the comment Dexter. I think times like that fortify our faith, sometimes for the short term, sometimes for the long term. I know I have seen God some amazing in our lives and think back to the “vow” I took to never doubt again. Next crisis: fear rises up. I fear less these days knowing I serve a God who does the impossible, but I would like to say I would never again doubt. I can pray I won’t. Thanks again for taking the time to read and comment.
I guess for me it’s hard to really know how deep my faith is. I think, personally, that I will never have the faith I should have and that is because of my human shortcomings. I pray to some day be where the Lord wants me to be.
IMHO Dexter I think a growing faith is one of ups and downs. All He asks of me is to trust Him, which I gladly do. I sometimes have questions and yes, even doubts about the strength of my faith, but I believe He wants me to trust Him like the father in the story. What little I have give it to Him and He will make it greater.