The Hindrance of Unbelief

And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household. And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. Mark 6:4-6 ESV

I find it interesting that Jesus considered a few healings ‘minor work.’ Heck, if I healed someone I would call it a good day – maybe even a good year! But Jesus’ ability to do ‘mighty work’ was hindered because of the people’s unbelief.

We must be cautious here: God’s power was never ‘limited.’ It’s not that He couldn’t but that He wouldn’t. He was unwilling to waste ‘precious seed’ on hard and rocky soil. Though He gave the people of Nazareth chance after chance, they remained skeptical. They would not accept Jesus’ power and authority because of their preconceived beliefs.

A similar danger exists in our own minds and hearts. Though we may have confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, certain areas of our lives may remain ‘hard ground.’ The Lord has given us a free will and He will not force His purpose where He is not wanted. Perhaps it’s a half-truth or a lie that you’ve believed for many years (I am not loved, I am not worthy of love). Or maybe it’s a negative habit you’ve refused to surrender to God’s lordship.

Don’t settle for ‘minor work’ in your life. Don’t miss the opportunity to see God work’ mighty works’ in your life just because you are unwilling to believe, to change, to surrender to His will. Shed those preconceptions, that innate skepticism that keeps you from growing spiritually. Yield to His will and ask Him to shape you into the godly person He wants you to be.