Belief and Doubt

When they brought the deaf man to Jesus, they must have believed he could do something for the man.

Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” - Mark 7:31-37

After Jesus cured the deaf man, the people were overjoyed and they couldn't keep from sharing the news with everyone, even though they had hoped Jesus could do exactly what he did.

We are like that, aren't we?

We claim to have faith, and we pray for God's help, yet when it comes, we are both relieved and surprised.

It truly is a miracle, we claim, as if we didn't expect it from the start.

What makes us believe and doubt simultaneously?

Is it that we know God can do what we ask but we are afraid we aren't worthy?

You may have seen the post I did a while back about baby MJ who was born the day after Thanksgiving.  MJ has miraculously made it through so many challenges since then, but she is still in the infant ICU and she still needs prayers.

Every obstacle she overcomes is another miracle, and proof for all of us that prayers work, God works to heal and help.

Still, it is amazing!

We are always filled with awe and wonder at the grace and mercy of the one who created us all.

So, let us continue to be amazed.  Let us continue to try, believing and yet remaining hopeful against all doubt that what we pray for can actually come to pass.

Thank you Jesus for reminding us that we can believe and be amazed when miracles happen.  Help us to be amazed once more.

More to come...