The Paradox of Faith Explained

One of the definitions of paradox is a “statement that seems to say two opposite things but may be true” (Merriam—Webster Dictionary). There are times when we have faith but at the same time doubt raises its ugly head. I assume most Christians struggle in some way with their faith-walk. We walk with Jesus but also leave our footprint in the dust of the earth.

Everyone looks a little better from a distance. When we get closer, we see they are human also. We all have some struggles of faith even though at times other people may think we have it altogether.

When a compliment comes my way, I am more apt to wince than gloat. I have a pretty good idea of who I am. Truth be known, none of us are great men of God, we are mere men who serve a Great God. Our feet are of clay, we just happen to stand on the Rock.

We must put our faith and confidence in Jesus. Some put their faith in their faith or faith in their ability to pray. Peter healed a lame man at the temple gate. When the people reacted to this great miracle, He told them, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? Acts 3:12 NKJV). He pointed the people away from himself and rightfully to Jesus.

When we simply trust in Jesus’ power, mercy, and compassion—we believe! Our faith and reliance is in Him, not in our power or righteousness.

Peter, James, and John accompanied Jesus to the mountaintop experience we call, “The Mount of Transfiguration.” There the Lord appeared in a glorified state with Elijah and Moses. The remaining nine were left at the foot of the mountain.

When Jesus came down from the mountain, a man with a demon-possessed son was waiting to see Him. The man had brought his son to the remaining disciples for deliverance but they failed.

Jesus took charge of the situation and told the man, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). The man replied, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). So here is the paradox of faith, he believed but he also had some doubt. Have we ever been at that place?

Jesus cast the demon out of the boy and he was delivered and healed. His disciples later asked Jesus why they were not able to cast out the demon. He simply told them without further explanation, this kind of thing could only be done through prayer and fasting.

My Prayer: Lord, transform me by your power that my faith is not hindered by my doubt. Help me to know You in a deeper way so that the impossible looks possible through the lens of faith when I am beholding Your face.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt