How to Overcome Unbelief

Suggested reading: Mark 9:17-29.

In this reading, a father pleads to Jesus to heal his demon-possessed son "if" Jesus can. Have you ever had an "if" moment when you prayed/talked to Jesus or when you've talked about prayers being answered? I have, and after reading this story, I know simply saying to Jesus as the father does, "Help me overcome my unbelief," is a good place to start. Here are some other tips to help as well:

1. Believe all things are possible. Even if you can't see God at work, believe that He is. In Mark 9, Jesus tells the father, who is in need of a miracle, "Everything is possible for him who believes." (vs. 23) God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and good. Don't limit Him by unbelief.

2. Remember what He has already done. Memory is a gift. “I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” (Psalm 143:5 NLT) Recalling what the LORD has already done, reassures you as a believer. If what He did for you then was great, then He will do it again. He is faithful.

3. Pray as if you received what you asked for. In other words, as you ask God for what you need, believe He already gave it to you and thank Him. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

4. Serve God in the wait. God hears all prayers but He answers them according to His will and good purpose and in His timing, not man's. Therefore, more times than not, there is a waiting period. Serve Him in worship, in your daily routines, in work, and in relationships. Keep believing He knows what you need, and keep honoring Him in the meantime. Through serving, you're acting on your belief rather than your unbelief. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100 ESV)

5. Let go of control. The greatest roadblock in unbelief is control. Let God be God. Let go. Again, don't limit Him by when and how your prayers should be answered. Satan is good about tempting you to take control and be your own god. Unbelief will grow wildly in this type of thinking. It can be challenging to let go, but know God is trustworthy: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 NIV)