The Fetters of Unbelief

THE FETTERS OF UNBELIEF

“Why could not we cast him out ?
Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief.”
– Matt. xvii . 19, 20.

DEAR LORD, behold another poor failing disciple comes to Thee, this morning, with the same pitiful question! I have tried to live for Thee, and work for Thee, with honest purpose endeavoring to bless others in Thy Name, yet, how signal, oftentimes, have been my failures!

     Lord, why could I not overcome the sin which so easily beset me? Why could I not check the sharp word on my tongue, and subdue the fierce risings of anger in my heart? Why can I not always walk so near to Thee that my whole life may be under Thy sweet control, and every thought, and deed, and word, be sanctified by Thy consent and approval? Why have I not the power to influence and draw others to Thy dear feet, that they may find in Thee, as I have done, “a very present help
in trouble?”

     Lord, I know Thy answer to me will be the same as that to Thy first disciples. Sadly and sorrowfully Thou sayest, “Because of your unbelief.”

     What a humbling revelation these words convey! My soul, t’is but a little while since thou did’st ring the joy- bells of faith triumphantly! Has thy righthand already lost its cunning? Has the wicked unbelief, still lingering within thee, stopped the glorious music thy faith was making, and turned the blessed assertion of “How shall He not!” into the faithless whining question of “How shall He?” Satan has taunted thee with thy unworthiness. But dost thou think thy demerit could stay the hand from blessing which gave “His only- begotten Son”, or overturn the covenant of grace of which He was made “Surety” in the days of old? Lord, it is too true that my faith is often bound by the fetters of unbelief, and her wings are clipped, so that she can only painfully attempt to fly Heavenward. I know this is the secret cause of many an unanswered prayer, many a failure in service and in holy living.

     Now I bring myself to Thee, with every whit as much need of spiritual healing as the poor lunatic boy had of deliverance from demoniac possession. Cast out every evil thing, Lord, and manifest in me “what is the exceeding greatness of Thy power to us-ward who believe.” Thou art the Author and Giver of faith, endue me plenteously with this living grace, banish all doubt and mistrust from my heart, that faith may be always rejoicing, always conquering, always bringing glory to Thee! “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief!”