ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH
“‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him
who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do
believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:23–24,
NIV)
Earl Nightingale tells about a strength test in which people
were asked to squeeze a dynamometer (a machine which tests
the power of your grip) as hard as they could. After that
first squeeze had been measured, they were put under
hypnosis and told they were very strong. When asked to grip
the machine again, their scores averaged forty percent
better.
Their physical strength did not increase under hypnosis. But
their ability to use that strength did. It’s wasn’t the
hypnosis that did it, but their belief about themselves.
When we are led to believe we are stronger, we react
accordingly. There is a sense in which we all go through
life “hypnotized” in that a great deal of what we do is
determined by what others have told us—and what we have told
ourselves—and believed!
What we need to do is listen to what God’s Word, the Bible,
says to us, believe that, and act accordingly. As the
Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).
If there is one thing I have learned over the years it’s
that God never calls any of us to do anything that he
doesn’t equip us to do. And he calls all of us to be
faithful servants in his work on earth, and to be faithful
stewards of all that he has given to us; that is, of our
God-given time, talents, money, and all our resources.
Suggested prayer, “Dear God, I come to you with all my
doubts and fears, but want you to know that I am available.
Please use me to be a part of your plans and the work you
are doing in my world today. And like the doubting father in
today’s Bible text, I do believe; help me to overcome my
unbelief. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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