The believers paradox

LORD I believe.....help me with my unbelief!

That scripture sums me up

....how about you?

 

Here is a good read I found from Arthur Pink on the subject.


"Lord, I do believe! Help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). This was the honest confession of one whose faith had been put to a most severe test. It issued from a man who had a son possessed by a demon, which grievously tormented him, "Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid" (v. 18). What a sore trial was that for a tender parent! How thankful you should be, my reader, if in the sovereignty of God—you are blessed with normal and healthy children; and how sympathetic we should be toward those who have afflicted ones! No doubt this man had consulted different physicians, and perhaps had conferred with his pastor; but no relief had been obtained. What a testing of his submission to the will of God! Then he sought aid from Christ's disciples—but they had been unable to effect any cure, and "hope deferred makes the heart sick." Such, in brief, is the background of our text.

And now the great Physician commanded that the tormented one should be brought to Him—but we read "When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth" (v. 20). Yes, matters generally seem to get worse with us when the Lord begins to take us in hand—to demonstrate that our extremity is God's opportunity to manifest His sufficiency. It was thus with the afflicted Hebrews in Egypt. The darkest hour precedes the dawn.

But what a tremendous testing of this man's faith to behold his poor son foaming in agony at the Savior's feet! "Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." (vv. 21, 22). Did the Lord Jesus indignantly rebuke him for questioning His power, and turn away in disgust? No, for "great is His mercy." Instead, He answered, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes" (v. 23), and we are told "Immediately the father of the boy cried out—I do believe! Help my unbelief."


http://gracegems.org/Pink2/believers_paradox.htm

 

Hank, I'm right there with you brother. May I suggest to you read ML-J book "Studies In The Sermon on The Mount" ..... man it has really caused me to think about how Jesus wants us, instructs us Christians to handle life.

I find the chapters on 'Be Not Anxious', 'Birds & Flowers,' & 'Oh Ye of Little Faith' to be the most instructive & indeed life altering.

As we are discussing, just yesterday in a Mens Bible Study studding Acts the question came up as to what "REPENT" really means.....what do you think it means, especially in the context of spirituality?