As we move through June, we transition from spring into summer. We go from the more mild temperatures, the pollen, and the rain into the sun, the time off, and the summertime thunderstorms that seem to come from no where and cleanse my mind. For me I’m hoping this is a change in season too.
In Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him “if you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes”. Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears “Lord, I believe; help me with my unbelief!” This was in reference to casting out an evil spirit from his child. These people had seen the miracles Jesus had performed, yet he still needed help with his unbelief.
I’m going to have to pause right here and take a second to thank my Pastor. Jeff always seems to preach right to me and Sunday was no different. He preached about that story yesterday and stepped on my toes. I have been stuck in a season of unbelief. I struggle to see how God could use me for good, can’t wrap my head around my purpose in his plan, and don’t know how I could be made in his image when I know what I have done. When Jeff was preaching he gave four reason we get stuck in unbelief and I realized I have not only fallen victim to all of them but some I placed in the path myself.
His first point hit me real hard. We stay stuck in unbelief because of the Naysayers. This one is so very true for me. There have been so many people in my life tell me what I couldn’t do, tell me I wasn’t good enough, wasn’t smart enough, that I was too broken, that I was too damaged, even that God wouldn’t use someone with all my problems. I heard this stuff so much that I started to not only agree with what they said but came up with new reasons I was worthless, after all I knew all of the things I had done in my life the little good and lotta bad.
Next he told us we get stuck because we let obstacles get in the way. He was two for two at this point. I had let obstacles come between me and God some I felt were out of my control, others I had placed there. When I feel like God is leading me somewhere I am scared to go I will place stumbling blocks in the way. I will have all kinds of reasons I can’t get to where God tells me I’m supposed to be.
Then it was distractions. This one is the one I have the hardest time with. I have always struggled with paying attention my entire life. I have a short attention span, often changing focus, changing direction, or changing goals without so much as a warning. It made school difficult, work hard, and following Jesus almost impossible. I would be distracted by Saturday night and not feel like making it in Sunday morning. I would get distracted by something that happened, something that drew my focus for a second could cause me to look away from Jesus and did cause me to walk away from Church.
He ended with lack of prayer. I pray a lot. Sometimes I just say thank you for all that I have been blessed with and all that has been entrusted to me. More often than not I pray when I need something, want something, or something has me worried. My problem with prayer is when I ask God for direction I ask him which way to turn, then I don’t listen when he tells me. I will listen to the naysayers who tell me I can’t, I will see the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the way, and I get distracted by the more attractive options because I’m not looking at the whole picture.
So how do we move past these things and change our season? When the naysayers start remember what God says about you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. When you encounter an obstacle on your path remember that Jesus said “all things are possible to those who believe”. When you start to get distracted focus your eyes on the love of God and the everlasting life promised to those who follow him. Last but certainly not least pray without ceasing. Thank him for all that he’s done, all he will do, and everything he is.
Here’s to a change of season! I love you!
bradglenn79 