Hold Onto Belief
- Kara Stephens
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
“It is a constant process of continually renewing our trust in Jesus and looking back to see how He has been faithful before.”
“What do you mean if I can? Jesus asked. Anything is possible if a person believes. The father instantly cried out, I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief.” Mark 9:23-24 (NLT)
Unbelief can be defined as an absence of faith. Faith is defined as having trust or confidence in someone. So when there is unbelief in our life, we are lacking trust and confidence. Take it a step further. When we have unbelief in God, and we question Him, we are lacking trust and confidence in Him and what He can do.
When you spell it out like that, I know the first feeling that I have in my gut is shame, upset with myself for even thinking that He can’t do the things that I asked Him to do. Now I know that just because I ask for something, doesn’t mean I will get it. What Jesus is saying in our scripture today is that anything is possible if a person believes because there is absolutely nothing too difficult for God.
But, we also have to have the understanding that God will give us what we need - not want. We often forget that piece. Even when deep down, we know that God knows best, and He is going to give us what we need, we still have times of unbelief that something will happen, and are ultimately throwing our own “toddler tantrum” because we aren’t getting what we want.
I can’t begin to tell you how I’m currently walking through this. I get to a point where I lack trust and confidence that God is going to move in my life, that God is going to answer my prayers or even give me an inkling of a sign that I am moving in some direction. But I can’t stay here in this mindset - this is unbelief. This is lacking faith that God is working; but we know that He is always working. Faith and belief aren't things that one day will just come to us. It is a constant process of continually renewing our trust in Jesus and looking back to see how He has been faithful before. Then, believing and trusting that He will do it again. The key is that we just have to hold onto that belief.
Action Steps:
Take a moment to reflect on what you are holding onto that is causing unbelief in certain situations in life right now. Why are you holding onto it? How can you let go of it and cling to belief, trust and confidence in God?
Listen to the song “Flowers” by Samantha Ebert. Close your eyes and just listen to the words.
Prayer: Lord, I’m sorry for my unbelief. I am sorry that I doubt You and wonder why I am in situations that I am. I pray that You help me in my unbelief. Help me to fully rely on and trust in You because You are a good God. You know what is best. I trust You and love You, Lord. Amen.
Written by Kara, a mom holding onto belief