◄ What Does Mark 9:24 Mean? ►

The whole fullness of God's nature dwells bodily in Christ, and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. As His children, we are privileged to dwell in Him and He in us. We are filled by His Spirit and made complete in Him Who is the head over all rule and authority, principality and power.

But how often like the disciples we doubt the power, ability, wisdom, and knowledge of the Lord. Like them, we fail to appropriate all that we are in Christ and He in us. No wonder when the doubting disciples were unable to cast out the evil spirit from this poor demon-possessed child, that his father cried: "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief."

This seemingly contradictory remark is the same paradox of faith and doubt that has stalked so many believers down through the centuries. We want to believe but our faith is trampled underfoot by our doubt. We long to trust in His love and ability and desire to believe the truth of His Word, but unbelief casts its icy shadow over our fainting heart.

The disciples had become careless in their personal walk and spiritual life. They had neglected prayer and fasting. They had forgotten to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. They had become lax in obeying their Master. They had received Christ's authority to cast out demons, but spiritual pride and spiritual neglect prevented them fulfilling their God-given task and robbed the Lord of the glorious witness He rightly deserved.

May we cultivate the spiritual discipline and devotion that is so necessary in the life of every Christian in this world which so desperately needs to hear the truth of the gospel. May we repent of any pride or neglect that has caused us to doubt the power, ability, wisdom, knowledge, or truth of Christ Jesus our Lord, in Whom dwells all the treasures of God's wisdom, knowledge, strength, and grace. And let us remember that we have been made complete in Him, for His praise and glory.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when my trust in You has been overshadowed by foolish doubt, and my spiritual walk has strayed from the paths of righteousness, truth, and wisdom. Strengthen me, Lord, and help my unbelief. Help me to fulfill the work that you have prepared for me to do, in the power of Your Holy Spirit, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN.