Introduction

Good morning, Today, we gather here not as a family united by faith, bound by love, and driven by the shared desire to grow closer to our Lord.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the Gospel of Mark, specifically Mark 9:24, which reads, 'Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!''. This plea, this heartfelt cry from a father to our Heavenly Father, is echoed in each of our hearts. It is a testament to our human frailty but also to our divine potential. It is a cry of faith.

In this plea, we see ourselves. We see our struggles, our uncertainties, and our hopes. We see our faith, as small as a mustard seed, yet capable of moving mountains. We see our doubts, as large as the sea, yet powerless against the might of our Lord. We see our journey, filled with winding roads and steep climbs, yet leading us ever closer to our Heavenly Father.

Beyond Doubt

Belief is a powerful force. It can move mountains, calm storms, and heal wounds. It can bring light into darkness, hope into despair, and joy into sorrow. It can transform lives, mend relationships, and bridge divides. It is the cornerstone of our faith, the foundation of our relationship with God, and the catalyst for our spiritual growth. Yet, belief is not without its challenges. Doubts can cloud our minds, uncertainties can fill our hearts, and fears can shake our faith. But in the midst of these challenges, we are called to believe beyond doubt.

The first aspect of this call is to recognize the power of belief. Belief is not merely an intellectual assent to a set of doctrines or a passive acceptance of a set of rituals. It is an active engagement with the divine, a dynamic interaction with the sacred, and a transformative encounter with the holy. It is a commitment to seek God, to know God, and to love God. It is a decision to trust God, to follow God, and to serve God. It is a choice to live for God, to hope in God, and to find peace in God.

The second aspect of this call is to understand the nature of doubt. Doubt is not necessarily a sign of weakness or a symptom of unbelief. It can be a catalyst for growth, a tool for discernment, and a pathway to deeper faith. It can prompt us to question, to seek, and to learn. It can challenge us to rethink, to reassess, and to reevaluate. It can push us to grow, to change, and to mature. But doubt can lead us to confusion, to disillusionment, and to despair. It can cause us to lose sight of God, to drift away from God, and to turn away from God.

The third aspect of this call is to cultivate a faith that is resilient, robust, and responsive. A faith that is rooted in God's love, grounded in God's grace, and anchored in God's truth. A faith that is nourished by prayer, nurtured by worship, and sustained by community. A faith that is not swayed by circumstances, not shaken by trials, and not deterred by challenges. A faith that is not diminished by doubts, not weakened by uncertainties, and not compromised by fears.

The fourth aspect of this call is to rely on God's promises, God's presence, and God's power. God's promises are sure, steadfast, and secure. They are the source of our hope, and the basis of our confidence. God's presence is the assurance of our security, the affirmation of our worth, and the evidence of our belonging. It is the demonstration of God's sovereignty, the display of God's glory, and the manifestation of God's love.

To believe, beyond doubt, is to have faith that is not confined by our limitations or constrained by our fears. It is a faith that is fueled by God's love, fired by God's Spirit, and focused on God's glory.

Building Confidence

Consider the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 15:5 ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO