When your faith is falling short, be honest with God

"I do believe: help me overcome my unbelief!"

- Mark 9:24 (NIV)

My son called me with disappointment in his voice.

He had been employed with a company for several years that had promised to help him reach his career goals. Now, a new company had taken over the business and he found himself facing the loss of his dream.

He was unemployed and uncertain about his future.

He had his heart fixed on a particular career direction, but closed doors started causing him to doubt if his prayers regarding the issues were reaching heaven's gates. He started to wonder if God existed.

"Mom, I want to believe that God is there," he said. " But I am just not sure that I do."

"I understand that feeling," I reassured him. "We have all been there. Just be honest with God and tell him how you feel. He will help you out."

Then I remembered the Bible story about a boy who needed healing. His father approached Jesus with a mind that was clouded with doubt regarding God's plan to heal his son. He proclaimed to Jesus, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

I felt this was the story my son needed to hear in his situation.

"Mom, that is exactly how I feel!" he replied to me. This Scripture passage gave him the assurance that he was not the only one that ever felt doubtful.

A few weeks later, he was given an opportunity with a new company. He felt his dream was being restored.

When we pray or talk, we know we should have faith to believe for our answers, but we must also be honest. The man whose son needed healing went before the Lord with an honest heart. I think his honesty may have been what moved the Lord to heal his son.

We must strive to grow in our faith. But during those difficult times we sometimes struggle with it.

When we can't, we can simply go before God with the heart-rendering request … "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" and invite God to help us increase our faith.

• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available to speak to church or civic organizations. Annettee can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com; (847) 543-8413; or P.O. Box 532, Grayslake, IL 60030.