Turning Unbelief into Belief: A Journey of Faith

Recently, I was listening to the sermon “Healings Part 2: Conquer Unbelief” by Philip Shields at Light on the Rock (https://youtu.be/AjqoB6zPU9g), and it really got me thinking about how to turn my unbelief into belief. The message resonated deeply, reminding me of how often doubt can creep into our hearts, even when we want to trust God fully. Thankfully, the Bible offers wisdom and guidance to transform our unbelief into unwavering faith.

One of the most powerful examples of this transformation is found in Mark 9:23-24. A desperate father, seeking healing for his son, cries out to Jesus. When Jesus says, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes,” the man responds with raw honesty: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

This story reminded me that faith doesn’t have to start perfect—it starts with surrender and a willingness to begin to trust God, even in our doubt.

Christ wondered out loud if he would find faith in the earth at his return (Luke 18:7). Hopefully we can all grow in this matter of trusting, believing and faith. 

1. Faith Comes from the Word of God

Romans 10:17 declares, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” To overcome unbelief, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture. The Word of God isn’t just text; it’s living and active (Hebrews 4:12), capable of renewing our minds and softening our hearts. Whether through sermons, personal Bible study, or hearing Scripture aloud, God’s Word fuels our faith. We all miss out on so much faith when we miss out on Bible study. We grow in faith when we let God speak to us by his word. Peter encourages us to seek God’s word as eagerly as a newborn baby seeks milk (1 Peter 2:1-2). 

2. Trust Over Understanding

Doubt often arises when we try to rely on our limited understanding instead of God’s infinite wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Replacing doubt with trust is a deliberate choice to surrender control and believe that God’s plans are higher and better than ours. It means changing where we’re looking. We’re no longer just looking at the physical scary realities, but we keep looking to Christ no matter what. This reminds us of when Peter started sinking when he took his eyes off of Jesus after Peter started walking on water. He looked at the high winds – and down he went. He should have kept trusting Jesus and his presence (Matthew 14:29-32).  Are we looking at all the physical evidence and how our mind reasons – or to guidance from our Master?

3. Pray Boldly and Honestly

James 1:5-6 encourages us to pray with unwavering faith: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.”

Just like the father in Mark 9, we can bring our struggles to God with humility and boldness. Prayer is the bridge that connects our doubts to His promises, allowing Him to work in us.

4. Step Out in Faith

Finally, 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Faith requires action, even when we can’t see the full picture. It’s in stepping out—despite fear or uncertainty—that we experience God’s faithfulness.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18  “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Remember when the Israelites came to the Red Sea? Behind them were Pharoah’s chariots and army – and in front of them was the impassable Sea. Moses told them to stand still and see the salvation of the LORD. But what did GOD tell them?  Step forward. Get moving right now (Exodus 14:13-15). Think about times you had to step out in faith when the way seemed impossible, but God made a way.

Unbelief is not the end of the road; it’s an opportunity to grow deeper in trust and reliance on God.

Like the father in Mark 9, we can honestly acknowledge our struggles and invite Jesus to help us conquer our unbelief. Start by diving into His Word much more than we do, seeking Him in prayer – always, and trusting Him enough to take the next step of faith. Things impossible for us are totally possible with God, Messiah said (Luke 18:27). And we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).