Imperfect faith
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24
Have you ever felt daunted by the stories of faith heroes in Hebrews 11? These individuals faced incredibly difficult situations, yet their faith was so strong that we still learn about them today. Enoch’s faith was such that he did not die. Noah constructed an ark to survive a flood, despite never having seen rain before. Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his only son, his long-awaited son, and even considered it an act of worship. God was absolutely and completely trustworthy in each of these stories, and the others mentioned in this chapter.
Why do we sometimes find it difficult to maintain faith in God, even with numerous personal experiences and testimonies? Our faith journey isn’t always consistent. We may experience moments of unwavering trust in God, while at other times, our faith feels like a constant battle. These struggles can range from feeling completely defeated to vacillating between trust and anxiety. This inconsistency can lead to self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy in our relationship with God.
Keep in mind that God is unwavering in His faithfulness. He is steadfast and unchanging. Our faith is built on His faithfulness, so we can release the burden of performance to Him and receive His grace and mercy. Only God is completely trustworthy; we as humans can only be partially so. Your faith is not broken when it is shaken; it is not incomplete when it is tested. In fact, your faith isn’t faith until it has been proven in the trials of life. When life presents challenges that exceed your faith, remember that God’s faithfulness will always compensate for your shortcomings. He will remain by your side and never abandon you. Your faith doesn’t need to be perfect; even faith as small as a mustard seed can inspire miracles in your life.
Insight
Your weakness does not hinder God’s work in your life because His strength prevails. He doesn’t expect your faith to be perfect; He expects you to believe that His faithfulness is.
