New? January 18 Devotional
January 18, 2025
2 PETER 1:1-2 | 1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
MARK 9:23-24 | 23 Jesus said to him, ‘If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.’ 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’
God wants to share a new power with us. Who is eligible to receive this life changing power? Anyone who has received or accepted faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sometimes we wonder about our own faith, asking, “Is it strong enough, is it deep enough?” God does not wait until we’ve reached a certain level of faith, or until we can manage faith without doubt. The only necessary thing for a precious and powerful faith is not perfection by reception. It is willingness to ask for his help, his grace, his wisdom, his blessing and to open our hearts and receive it.
The anxious father in Mark’s gospel has it right, we must ask God for help with our faith rather than feel guilty or depressed when our enthusiasm wanes or doubts persist. “I believe; help my unbelief.” Anyone with this receptive attitude can receive the new power.
Use the father’s prayer as your own today.
Gracious God,
You have opened the doors to let us receive a new power. Help us to see it in our daily struggles. Banish our unbelief.
Amen.
