“But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” But Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:22-24 NASB (emphasis mine)
Have you ever prayed those words? I have.
Jesus’ disciples were unable to heal the demon-possessed boy. The demon would throw the boy into fire or water and try to kill him. Then the father cried out to Jesus.
The father recognized his lack of faith. He cried out, “Help my unbelief!” This is the cry of a desperate father! He knows he needs Jesus’ help to overcome his unbelief.
I know what that feels like. I was once this desperate for God’s help to believe. In the 90s, I became so involved in the Word of Faith movement that I became a teacher myself. I taught two women’s Bible studies and even taught on the radio.
When I finally realized that the Word of Faith teaching didn’t line up with the Bible, I left that church. Eventually, I recognized just how false the teachings of Kenneth Copeland and other “Prosperity Gospel” preachers really were. I had been teaching false doctrine! I was devastated.
I had prayed often, telling God that I surrendered to Him. That was the prayer and desire of my heart. I had risen early in the morning to read my Bible before getting my kids off to school. So why had God let me be so deceived?
Unbelief was crouching at my door. I became more and more overcome by doubt. I couldn’t understand how God could let this happen to me. It didn’t line up with the faith message I had been taught. I began to fear that I would stop believing in God. That scared me, so I began to pray every night, “Lord, help me overcome my unbelief. Please don’t let me fall away.”
I prayed this over a long period of time. God answered my prayers. Over the years since that time, I have learned the true meaning of faith, which means to trust God in every circumstance.
After many years, I have come to understand why God allowed this to happen to me. He is using it for good. My heart cries out for those who are deceived by false teaching.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NASB
Although God warns us about deception and false teaching, many people are deceived. In fact, the Word of Faith movement is spreading globally, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia.
This is why the heart of my ministry is to encourage others to LOVE THE TRUTH. Read and study your Bible daily.
In His Love, Cindy
Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB
RealChristianWomen.blog
Real Christian Women 