Oh so close

On the flight to England I sat beside a young man from Ireland. He was in the US doing storm research and chasing. He spent the last 3 weeks all over the Central Plains and South Plains researching weather. He looked out the window during some turbulence and said, "That is a big storm--its about 40,000 feet tall. Then we disappeared into the cloud and shook for about 5 minutes or so. He comforted me with stories of tornadoes and hail.

After a couple of beers and wine over dinner, he opened up a little more about his life. We talked for a couple of hours, getting shushed by the stewardess (I mean, flight attendant) because we were to loud (I didn't drink, so I had no excuse). He told me about some family history and how he admired his mum for her faith. Knowing his science background already, I asked him if he shared her faith. He did not. He said that he was jealous of it, but could not believe. Maybe when his first baby was born (due in 5 months) he would see God and believe. He went through a list of excuses, and I tried to listen. He believes in a higher power, but did not think he could know God.

At the end of our conversation, I told him to test God. He felt that would not do. I told him God was big enough to handle it, and that he wanted to know him. The final refrain was one that he had said over and over again: I'd want that kind of faith, but I just don't have it.

So, if it is God who gives that faith, then God, I ask you to show mercy and give it to him.

As Mark 9:24 says, "Help my unbelief."