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Nothing is so provoking to God as unbelief, and yet there is nothing to which we are more prone. He has spoken to us in His Word; He has spoken plainly; He has repeated His promises again and again; He has confirmed them all by the blood of His own dear Son; and yet we do not believe Him. Is not this provoking? What would provoke a master like a servant refusing to believe him? Or, what would provoke a father like a child refusing to believe him? The man of honour feels himself insulted if his professed friend refuses to believe his solemn protestation; and yet this is the way in which we daily treat our God. He says: "Confess, and I will pardon you." But we doubt it. He says: "Call upon Me, and I will deliver you." But we doubt it. He says: "I will supply all your needs." But we doubt it. He says: "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." But who has not questioned it? Let us seriously think of His own words: "He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar"; and His question, "How long will this people provoke Me?" Lord, forgive, and preserve us from it in future.

(James Smith.)

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KJV: And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

WEB: Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, "I believe. Help my unbelief!"