If Only I Believed

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The following thoughts were made clear to me based on prayer and Scripture reading over the past twenty-four hours.  I am continually amazed at how God teaches things to me; I suppose He does it that way because of my ignorance and stubbornness.  Alas, I have learned something: it is my own lack of faith that prevents the recognition of God's answers to my prayers.

Monday evening was filled with stress and self-doubt, while Tuesday was marked by disappointment and confusion.  All the while, God was speaking softly (as usual) to me; trying to get my attention.  At last, He did gain my full attention as my wife, my son, and I sat in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

 But, His revelation to me did not end with that special time of prayer and reconciliation among family members.  This morning, my eyes fell upon a passage from Mark 11 as I prayed the Scriptures.  "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and you will.  And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive your trespasses" (v. 24-25).

O God, forgive me for doubting that You will provide the solution to my life's little "problems."  Forgive me, also, for my lack of forgiveness toward others.  As the young, demon-possessed boy's father cried, "I believe; help my unbelief!"

Pray that all people will be open to hearing God's Word, receiving His revelation with great faith, and forgiving their fellow humans.

 God bless.

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