Unbelieving Generation...Me?

"O unbelieving generation, Jesus replied,how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me...Jesus asked the boy's father, How long has he been like this? From childhood, he answered. It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. 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: 19-24.

The "it" in this story was a demon that had seized control of this little boy from childhood. Boy, this one steps all over my feet! It doesn't matter how long I have walked with Christ my "It" always seems to be the same. There is an emergency in my family such as a medical diagnosis and I kick my plans and action into full tilt "it". I work endlessly trying to be everything for everyone in every situation without concern of setting any boundaries. I end up tired, exhausted, sometimes resentful and "all out burned out"! My "it" has often thrown me into the fire burning up my joy, peace and balance. My biggest challenge is recognizing that not only is God the only Savior for extreme situations but sometimes He would not choose me for specific situations. I am not to assume that God wants to use me for each person's trial. I know that God looks down and says, "Oh, Brenda - not again, how long....?"

The "but" in this story is the hope that the father knew he had in Jesus. I am trying to balance the "it" and the "but" and realize that I can only do this through Christ. The "help" that the man requested is the final step in surrendering our "it". It is the belief and recognition that Christ can and will deliver us from whatever our "it" may be. We all have something that has possessed us from childhood that prevents and limits us but we have something much greater in us than any of these "its". "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4.

We must identify our "it" so that we may ask God to help us overcome our unbelief of being a captive in whatever prison in which we have placed ourselves. Many times we actually sit down and place the shackles on our own ankles. "Help us, Lord, overcome our unbelief!"