Scripture Reference: Mark 9:14-27
II. The Shortage of Faith
“He [Jesus] answered him and said, ‘O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.’”
Jesus was upset with their lack of faith. The multitude did not believe, neither did the boy’s father, and the disciples lacked the faith needed to carry out the work that Christ had called them to perform.
These events took place in the third year of Jesus’ ministry. By now, He was well known for the miracles He had performed and the power He possessed. There was a lack of faith by all. The disciples especially had no excuse. They had walked with Him for a couple of years and had witnessed all that He had done. They were unable to cast out the demon because of their lack of faith. We see Jesus speaking to that in Matthew’s Gospel:
“Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).
We might wonder how these things could be. How could they possibly not have believed? However, before we get to critical, we must admit that we too are guilty of the very same thing. I have witnessed the hand of God many times in my life, and yet I am guilty of unbelief at times. There are times when I have been burdened about a need in my life and I will take that need before the Lord, but often I doubt even while I am praying. Where is my faith in that?
Consider this, we don’t usually have a problem with the little things. We like to talk of faith when we are on the mountain. It is usually in a time of crisis when our faith grows weak. God expects us to trust in Him at all times, in all situations. Doubt and unbelief are sins.
“Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38).
The phrase draw back has the idea of “withdrawing, cowering in fear.” God desires us to come before Him boldly in full assurance of His power and ability.
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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