Hope Victorious

The presence of doubt does not disqualify your faith.   The father of the demon-possessed boy in Mark chapter 9 had both faith and doubt.   He had good reason to doubt the ability of Jesus to cleanse his son.   After all, when the man brought his son to Jesus’ disciples, who had healed others, they were unable to help him.   The disciples seemed baffled by their lack of success.   The man then brings his son to Jesus and asks him if he is able to help. (see Mark 9:22)   After asking how long the boy has been affected, Jesus turns the question back on the father.   Jesus tells the man that all things are possible for anyone who believes.   The man had questioned Jesus and His ability.   These were the man’s words:   “ But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”   (v.23)   His words reveal his doubt; he asks Jesus to help IF He can.   Jesus turns that back; “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” (v.23)    Jesus is making the outcome conditional on

Sadness Sorrow Sometimes there are no answers Words are too small anyway – a waste I just want to go and sit Let my questions rest next to yours Give room for the pain that cannot be spoken away Words cannot satisfy the agony of your soul   I just want to come and sit by you Let my nearness speak my love for you Maybe we will cry Or maybe the tears have dried up for now – spent and tired Your broken, bleeding heart – faithfully beating   You won’t have to walk alone You are loved – and there is time Time for tears and time for questions Time for stories and time for silence Time for sorrow and time for anger WHY? Sometimes our questions have no answers I will come and sit by you

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” The feeling this statement inspires in my imagination is beautiful and full of life.  When we choose to give generously to others, we prosper in return.  The very idea of refreshing others is tender and wonderful. To think that we can intentionally be a place of refreshing to someone we care about is a gift, significant in itself, and yet there is the bonus benefit of being refreshed in the process.  This statement is made in Proverbs 11:25 Here is the verse in a few different translations: -         The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.   NLT -         The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered.   NASB -         The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. MSG -         A soul who blesses will prosper, and one who gives water will himself be satisfied.   TLV   Oh, that we would be peo

I I have grown accustomed to faith      A word for healing      A promise tightly held      A timely declaration that opens doors to freedom Faced with the impossibility I turn my gaze towards heaven I listen for strategy –   whispers of truth Faith as been a strong current moving me forward A force that leads from the place of need to the pool of refreshment Where the very need is met – celebrated – enjoyed.        Fulfillment of faith      Healing realized      Promise fulfilled    When reality matches the declaration and faith is no longer needed in that place –      A space now filled with rejoicing      An answer – a victory Faith has broken through             II Sometimes faith is not enough When the journey of faith has gown long and wearisome The river, once raging becomes a dry creek bed of rough rocks, fallen timbers, A deep crevice – the sliver of water carving a path deep in the narrows of my soul Where has my faith gone?   How is it that I am nearly dry?      A brain