The Devil and Doubt
Unbelieving 

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 17:14-21

Key Verse:  Matthew 17:17-18

    “O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” [18] Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

We see Jesus frustrated, only occasionally, in the New Testament writings.  I believe one occasion is detailed in our scripture passage for today.  Phrases like: “How long shall I stay with you?” and the words, “how long shall I put up with you?” seem to be a clear frustration in Jesus’ voice.  What was the issue?  Doubt!  Jesus was frustrated by the lingering doubt of his disciples.  His disciples…the ones closest to Him!

            How long does Jesus have to stay with you before you will totally trust Him?  Did you worry today? This week?  Why?  Has Jesus failed you in the past?  How long does Jesus have to prove Himself to us before we dismiss our doubts and give ourselves to trust in every situation?

            After this incident the disciples came to Jesus with a question.  They wanted to know why they could not heal this boy.  The answer was so simple that it probably embarrassed them: “Because you have so little faith.’’ Why do we worry about the circumstances of our lives?  I wish there could be an answer that would astound us, but there isn’t.  It is the same simple answer: We have too little faith.  The Word of God promises that all things will work out for our good (Romans 8:28).  It promises us that we will have God’s strength to accomplish all things presented to us today (Philippians 4:13).  We simply have no excuse for worry.  None!

Father, forgive my unbelief.  You are my provider; my protector and my friend closer than a brother!  I will trust you today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.