I’ve spent enough time on the black and double-black ski runs in Colorado to know the specific, heart-sinking feeling of a “wobble.” It usually happens when the terrain gets steeper than expected or the light goes flat. Your weight shifts, your skis lose their bite for a split second, you lose faith, and feel that momentary, gut-wrenching lack of control.
In that second, I’m not a “bad skier,” I’m just a skier overcoming a wobble. I don’t need to give up; I just need to find my center again.
Sometimes our faith wobbles in exactly the same way. We trust God, yet we wonder why he is taking so long or why the terrain of our lives has become so steep. If we are honest, there are days when our faith feels less steady than we want it to be. We feel that shift in our spiritual confidence, and we worry that the wobble means we’ve failed.
We are in good company. In the Gospels, a father came to Jesus with a wobbling faith, crying out “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (emphasis mine.)
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24).
The father’s reply is a prayer we often have to make.
Jesus didn’t turn the man away for his hesitation; He met him with a display of his power and grace. And the man’s son was healed.
The spirit shrieked, convulsed him [the boy] violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up (Mark 9:26-27).
Moses questioned God’s plan, and Sarah struggled to believe the promise, yet God was not finished with them, either. Scripture is full of devoted followers who had moments where their knees shook.
Wavering does not mean God is done with you. Struggling does not mean you have no faith. The unstoppable life in real life means we can bring even our wavering hearts honestly to God. He is not put off by our honesty. Our thoughts may waver, but God’s goodness remains the same.
An Unstoppable Life is simply a wavering heart held steady by an unchanging God
Where do you need help overcoming your unbelief? Make this prayer your own.
A Prayer to Believe
Heavenly Father, today I want to be honest about my wobble. I have been praying “if you can…” I do believe in you, help me in my unbelief. I need your help to overcome my doubt. When the terrain of my life feels too steep and my strength feels too weak, help me to find my center in you again. Thank you that you aren’t put off by my questions or my shaking faith. Instead, show me your power and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
