A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy´s father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." " ´If you can´?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy´s father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Introduction: Faith is a huge puzzle for Christians. Sometimes we have undoubted faith, but other times our hearts waver, carried away by the tide of doubt (e.g. Jesus, I believe. Oh my, I cannot believe. Dear Jesus, I believe in You, Please help me. I have little faith!)


1. Realize that anxiety and worry do not work.
    1) We cannot add one cubit to our stature by being greatly concerned nor can we
        make our hair turn gray or black (Mt 6:27; 5:36).
    2) Anxiety and worry have no influence in controlling what will happen in the future
        (Pr 17:22; 2Co 7:10).
    3) Just believe as if you have nothing to lose (1Pe 5:7; Php 4:6-7).

2. Bear in mind that there is no retreat.
    1) The confession of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Da 3:16-18).
    2) Esther´s confession of faith (Est 4:16).
    3) Determine to say, "If I perish, I perish" (Php 1:20-21).

3. Concentrate on God´s Word.
    1) Avoid fear - skydiving, skiing down a steep slope (Isa 41:10; Heb 10:35).
    2) Peter´s walk on water and the reason he began to sink.
        - He focused on the words of Jesus´ when he saw the wind and the sea
           (Mt 14:28-31).
    3) Focus on God´s promise (Nu 23:19).
        (1) Think (Pr 4:23).
        (2) Dream (Php 2:13; Eph 3:20).
        (3) Believe (Mk 9:23; 11:24).
        (4) Proclaim - Confess God´s Word repeatedly (Jos 1:8).


Conclusion: When we are struck by the storms of anxiety, worry, nervousness, and fear, our hearts waver uncontrollably like the waves on the sea. Then we have to seek and believe in God who is able to save us. Only the power of faith in God can save us from destruction.