By Jeanne Doyon

It’s been a tough week: Crazy days at work, feeling overwhelmed as I see family members struggling, and taking on stress. This atmosphere around me dampens my ability to believe that God is at work.

I believe. Such a simple statement yet it is so deeply misunderstood. If I say I believe then I can’t doubt God’s ability to accomplish things. So, do I truly believe that God is able or am I trusting in my own ability to do things?

Do I believe in the all-powerful God – Omnipotent? He is able to do ALL things.

Do I believe in the God who is everywhere – Omnipresent? He can care for my family even though we are far from each other.

Do I believe in the One who is all knowing – Omniscient? He knows every struggle, ever tear, every heart cry.

If He is indeed all of these things, I definitely have Him in a box—a box that I haven’t thought through, yet it is there just the same. So, how can I adjust my thinking to reflect the Omni-characteristics of God?

When I read about the things God did, I need to remember He hasn’t changed. He has the same power, the same purpose because He is same (yesterday, today and forever). The God that delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea is the same God who is at work in my life.

This same Jesus who healed the blind, raised the dead, and lifted the lame to walk again, is the same Jesus who has chosen me to walk with Him. And, the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within me and helps me to live, breathe and believe all that God wants for me.

So when faced with a diagnosis from the doctor, with family issues, or with situations that are too big for me to handle, I need to see God for how big He is. He knows what’s going on. He knows what I need. He knows what needs to happen for hearts to change. He is at work in and around me, orchestrating circumstances so I will believe how big He is.

When I read about the father who faced impossible odds in Mark 9:22-24, He simply says, “Help me with my unbelief.”

What a humble and simple request. It’s like saying, God, I know I am supposed to believe you are able, but my mind is in the way. I have you in a box and I am seeing the obstacles just like the eight spies when they were sent to spy out the land. I want to believe You for the amazing, just like Joshua and Caleb did; I want to believe that despite the obstacles, you are going to provide and fight on my behalf to bring about your plan.

Like the father in Mark chapter nine, I can be honest with God and ask for help to believe. Faith and trust are built as we live our lives with Him in the forefront. We step out in faith and our ability to believe grows exponentially as we ask for His help.

I believe that my extended family situations are seen by my Heavenly Father. I believe He will provide needs, change hearts, and turn things around to the right way. I believe He will guard us with His right hand.

I believe God will help us to remember that we are not one another’s enemies; Satan is the real enemy and God has equipped us with power in Christ to cause him to get lost! I believe He will tell Satan to take the high road and not allow him victory over us as we stay connected to Him.

What do you face today? Are you struggling to believe He is able to help? Will you ask, “Lord, help my unbelief” when struggling with what your mind says, rather than what God’s word says?

Wanting to live like I believe.

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Jeanne Doyon writes and speaks from the heart, connecting the Truth of Scripture to everyday life. Her passion is to pause and see God’s presence around us, and in His word. She and her husband John live in the quiet corner of Connecticut. They have three children, a daughter-in-love, and three grandchildren. Her blog, The Stream’s Edge is one of her many resources for spiritual encouragement. Connect with her at JeanneDoyon.com.