“…Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked.  “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” -Mark 9: 22-24

If you ever struggle with unbelief or doubt, you’re not alone. Even seasoned ministers battle within themselves when things look hopeless.

This was the case with the father who’s son was possessed by a very strong evil spirit in Mark 9.

The evil spirit often threw the boy to the ground and caused him to foam at the mouth. It even tried to throw him into fires and drown him in water.

And if this spirit had been torturing the boy since he was a small child, you can imagine the distress and fatigue the father felt.

He showed faith by bringing his boy to the disciples for healing, but even they couldn’t cast the spirit out like they had done so many times before.

So by the time Jesus showed up, the man’s faith meter was understandably low.

But when Jesus called out his unbelief, he instantly shouted, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

What an honest and transparent declaration. He desperately wanted to believe, and a part of him believed a miracle was possible, but he was genuinely battling on the inside.

So he cried out to Jesus who he trusted and said, “Lord, help me get to the place I need to be, so I can activate your healing power!”

And our Savior, who is full of unfailing love and mercy, immediately healed the boy.

So when we’re truly struggling to control our doubt and unbelief, we can remain confident that God is faithful despite our lack of faith.

He loves us more than we understand and He can fix every problem, even our unbelief, if we take our concerns to Him in prayer.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, thank you for remaining faithful even when I am faithless. In times when I’m having trouble believing in you and your promises, please comfort me and restore my faith just like you did for the man who’s son was possessed by the evil spirit. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.