Who doesn’t love a good plan? I appreciate having a plan. I like knowing where I’m headed or what I’m supposed to be doing. Of course, I know enough to understand and accept that a plan may not always go the way I had hoped. I can be flexible. But I like to at least begin with a plan. That’s not unreasonable, right? A plan helps me trust the process.

But what about God’s plan for me? The fact that He has a plan is already winning the day. But then comes the part where I should definitely “trust the process,” or in this case, trust the Guy with the plan! Easier said than done. I tell myself that yes, I have faith that this path I’m on, or this season I’m in, or this decision I’ve made is all a part of His plan, but is it really?? Is my faith in His process deep enough, big enough?

Coming out of Jesus’ Resurrection (Hallelujah!), the Scriptures have a record of Thomas and his incredible demand to assuage his doubts: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). He wanted tangible proof of Jesus rising from the dead. Where was Thomas’ faith? He was a disciple, he literally followed Jesus and witnessed Him healing the sick, feeding the poor, raising the dead, casting out demons! And still Thomas doubted that the Resurrection had taken place.

The Bible is full of encouragement and teachings on having faith. Thomas most definitely was present when Jesus cast out a demon from a boy whose father had initially brought him to the disciples. But when they were unable to cast the demon out, the father turned to Jesus. When the disciples ask Jesus why they were unsuccessful in casting out the demon, this is what Jesus said: “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20-21). In Mark’s gospel, this same scene has an interesting quote from the father of the boy. The father is admonished by Jesus to have faith when the boy is brought to him, which leads the father to exclaim, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

I often find myself identifying with this father who asked the Lord for more faith. He believed, but he knew it wasn’t enough, so he simply prayed for more! What a revolutionary way to combat a lack of faith in Jesus! I don’t want to demand proof of God’s plan for me, I don’t want to ask to stick my hand into His side – but I do want to ask for a deeper, bigger faith. When I have trouble trusting God’s process for me, I too can say: I believe, but please Lord, help me have more faith!

God bless you!

Shireen