Churches

Good day dear hearts, I love you. How many of you faithful people have dealt with unbelief? It means I believe in God, but I doubt he could forgive me for my past. I believe in God, but I doubt He can provide the answer to my dilemma. I believe in God but I’m not sure He loves me because of all the bad things that are happening to me. And I’m sure you can think of many other situations where you say you believe in God but…. When we ask God to overcome our unbelief, we’re acknowledging our struggles with doubt and seeking His assistance to strengthen our faith. This concept is rooted in the Bible. When you have time read Mark 9:14 through 29 where a father asks Jesus to heal his demon-possessed son. The father exclaims, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.”

This plea reflects a recognition of our human limitations and the need for divine intervention. It means that while admitting that while we have faith, it may not be perfect from unwavering. By asking for God’s help, we are inviting Him to bolster our faith, guide us through our doubts and remind us of His power and trustworthiness. I recently experienced unbelief and doubt. In October 2023, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. It sent my mind into a tailspin. While I prayed for healing and guidance, at the same time, I had myself dead and buried. I was confused and I kept asking God, why did you allow me to answer your call so late in life (62) and now 10 years later everything comes to an end? My mind was spinning over the thought I would be leaving my children and grandchildren, but it would be okay because I will be reunited with my wife. The stuff that went through my mind was fast and furious. Here I am 11 months later, and the corner has turned and my prayer is, in January 2025 I will say I’m cancer free! Many if not all of us have gone through this type of thinking, whether it be us or a loved one.

Faith is at the heart of our Christian life. It’s how we are saved, receive forgiveness for our sins, enjoy a personal relationship with God and have assurance of eternal life in His presence. By faith, we experience the peace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. While we have that faith, we sometimes falter and become plagued by doubts. Faith and trust are essential in our walk with the Lord. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1. The title of this chapter is called Faith in Action. The chapter deals with accounts of faithful people who persevered because of their faith and trust in God. Two words in this verse describe faith, “Confidence and Assurance”. These two qualities need a secure beginning and ending point. The beginning point of faith is believing in God’s character, He is who He says He is. The end point is believing God’s promises, He will do what He says. When we believe God will fulfill His promises even though we don’t see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith.

As I have said, faith and trust are essential in our walk with the Lord. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Leaning has the sense of putting your whole weight on something, resting on and trusting in that person or thing. When we have an important decision to make, we sometimes feel that we can’t trust anyone, not even God. But God knows what is best for us. We must trust Him completely in every choice we make.

Today you have heard the story of unbelief from a father in the Scriptures and I have shared my own personal experience with unbelief. In both situations God has blessed! No matter how unsteady our faith, God invites us to draw near so He can strengthen our trust in Him. When He does, accept His invitation and give Him the glory. When you encounter the feelings of unbelief, think of the unbelief of the father spoken about in the Scripture, think of my life example I have shared with you. God Bless.

Lord, watch over our community. Bless our children. Heal the sick and broken-hearted. Let your Spirit hover over our community. Amen.

Join us on Saturday, September 21 between 12:00 and 1:00pm for our free community dinner. We will be serving salmon loaf with sides and desserts.

Contact me anytime. Pastor Vince Chiaramonte, 570-853-3988, Susquehanna Christian Community Church, 1361 Main Street, clearmountain2158@gmail.