READ: MARK 9:14-29; LUKE 24:36-53

Doubt. The very word conjures up images of wrinkled foreheads and turned-down mouth corners. Contrary to how we may feel about it, doubt can actually benefit our spiritual growth. And remember, Jesus Himself was patient and loving to those who wrestled with doubts.

In Mark 9, a desperate father brought his son to Jesus for healing. The boy had been possessed by a spirit from childhood, one that continually tried to harm and kill him. “If you can do anything…” was this father’s cry of desperation (verse 22). Imagine how this man might have felt as Jesus responded: “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes” (verse 23). Without hesitation, the father cried out something so raw and beautiful: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (verse 24). Jesus didn’t rebuke this father for his unbelief. Jesus heard his honest cry, and He healed the boy completely. Similarly, in Luke 24, when Jesus’s disciples doubted His resurrection, Jesus patiently assured them He was not a ghost. He invited them to look at His wounds and touch Him. He went even further by eating fish in front of them.

Without a doubt, pun intended, Satan wants to use our doubts to make us feel far away from God. But in our times of doubt, we can practice the three Rs: (1) Remember: Recall how patient and assuring Jesus was with those who doubted. He will do the same for us. (2) Relay: Talk to God about your doubts. He already knows our every thought, but He invites our honesty. Oftentimes, just getting our concerns out in the open brings relief. (3) Read: Continually be in Scripture. Times of doubt might make us want to turn away from God and close our Bibles, but it is in these times—when we seek God in the midst of doubt—that we will learn more about the consistent character of God.

The pain of doubt can pave the way for us to experience the presence of God as never before. When in doubt, ask God how He will use this for your good and growth. • Savannah Coleman

• Everyone, at some point, will experience doubt. What is one time you remember struggling with doubt? Jesus loves you so much that He died and rose again to give you faith. Consider spending some time in prayer, perhaps echoing Mark 9:24, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

• Do you know someone who is experiencing doubt today? God calls us to respond by listening and validating others’ feelings. He listens to us without shaming us, and we can do the same for each other. Jude 1:22 says, “Have mercy on those who waver.” As we rest in Jesus’s love and remember the mercy He gives us daily, we can extend His love and mercy to those around us.

Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (CSB)