QT 24 May 18, Mark 9:24, Our lack of faith steals our opportunity for joy

Week	Passage	Date	Verse	Thought	Prayer
4	Mark 9:20-24	5/24	Mark 9:24 (ESV) — Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”	None of us have the faith we would like to have. I think only a child has that kind of faith. We all doubt and struggle to wait. We get cynical as we get older. Life hurts and life is not the way God intended because of our rebellion. Consequently, we avoid pain by doubting. It hurts to hope and see those hopes and dreams shattered in the end. So, we all have this problem. We want to believe and we need help to believe.	Father, forgive us for our doubt. We are weak creatures. We long ago lost our wonder as children and our faith in our father. Too many hurts have buried the deep longings to enjoy, wonder, and trust. And so we trudge along under a cloud of doubt, ignoring the joy of believing by doubting all things good. Lord, help our unbelief. Help us to experience joy again. Help us to trust you. Help us not to worry about disappointment. Help us to wait and believe!