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“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief” Mark 9:24 NIV

The story in Mark 9:1-29 is powerful. It’s about a father whose son is possessed by an evil spirit. The spirit had tormented his son for years. As the father approached Jesus, he asked Him to cast the demon out, “If you can.” Jesus responds, “What do you mean, “if I can?” “Anything is possible if a person believes.” That is the moment where the father cries out “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.”

I read that quite a few times and I couldn’t put it into a context that I could grasp. I believe, but I need help believing? It seems either you believe, or you don’t believe. But really understanding that short prayer shows you the complexity of human faith, doesn’t it? We believe but is it unwavering? Absolute? Can we believe in God and still struggle with doubt? I think we all have had times when we’ve done that. In that passage, the father did not hide his doubts or pretend to have perfect faith. He laid his heart bare before Jesus. Jesus didn’t turn away from him. He did not rebuke him. On the contrary, He cast the evil spirit out of his son. It shows that faith can coexist with doubt. That father was completely honest with Jesus, he was extremely vulnerable. He acknowledged his doubt and Jesus heard and understood.

That passage also reminds us that even a small measure of faith can be enough for God to work with. Matthew reminded us that “faith as small as a mustard seed” can make mountains move. The father had faith. It may have been a small, frail glimmer, but Jesus still worked powerfully through it. God can accomplish mighty things no matter how small or fragile your faith may be at times.

Jesus didn’t admonish that fathers doubt; He responded to his faith. It shows that God’s grace is not dependent on how perfect our faith is but on His own mercy.

That story is a journey of faith. There will be times where our faith feels fragile, we will doubt. But every time we turn to Him with honesty, He strengthens us. He shows us we can rely on His understanding, power, and grace. We should never be afraid to go to our Father when we’re unsure, when we are having our seasons of doubt. To go before Him in honesty. After all, He already knows what’s in our hearts. He will always meet us wherever we are. Faith is not about perfection. It’s about our willingness to trust God in our weakest moments. He will never let us down.

PRAYER

Father, Sometimes we come before you like the father in Mark 9:25.  We struggle with doubt. Help us in our unbelief. Show us Your grace and mercy and strengthen our faith. Help us to trust You fully no matter what we face. Nothing is impossible for You, and we know You will continue to meet us and help us grow in faith.

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray,

Amen