Mark 6 records the events when Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth. The townspeople were not quick to recognize the significance of what Jesus was doing. In fact, Mark records that Jesus “could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.” Jesus’ response is recorded in verse 6:
“And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.” (Mark 6:6, ESV)
The danger for us is that we might think we would respond differently if we saw the miracles first hand. We could think ourselves better than this. But would we respond differently?
I think it unlikely that we would. Or perhaps I should only speak for myself. I think it unlikely that I would respond differently.
Face it, we daily face issues and situations that require us to respond in faith. I find that in such situations, I am more inclined to either worry about it or take on the responsibility for fixing it myself.
I don’t know of a fix for this other than making a conscious effort to choose to believe. I’m not advocating anything like the “positive confession” nonsense that God will give me anything I want if I only muster up enough faith.
What I’m thinking of is making a conscious choice to look in Scripture to see how God responded to his people through the ages and learning to trust that he will continue to support those who love and follow him.
Like so many other things in life, this is easier said than done. But in my own life, I have seen my unbelief slowly receding and faith gaining ground.
Someday, perhaps, the wind and waves will no longer keep me from getting out of the boat . . .