Faith to Believe the Unbelievable
Photo image courtesy Unsplash
…But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” And Jesus said to him, “If I can! All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” – Mark 9:22b-24
He only said what the rest of us have thought and felt at one time or another. The difference is, His words were recorded in Holy Scripture to be dissected, judged, and for many, appreciated for the next who knows how many years. I’m grateful they were, for this father’s desperate confession gives our own moments of secret doubt welcomed company in our struggle to believe.
We know little about this bold man with a teetering faith brave enough to declare his faith in Jesus’ power to heal his demon-possessed son—while at the same time, being painfully aware that it was not an all-in, slam-dunk belief.
Imagine what this man and his family had been through. His son had endured unbearable suffering. So, hearing that Jesus and his disciples were in town, he took his boy and the little faith he had left, and tried to believe once more that he would find help.
When the disciples’ attempt at healing failed, he must have felt gut punched. But then Jesus arrives and again the father tells his story…
“If you can do anything to help,” are his desperate words to Jesus. (How many times have you asked the Lord this very question?) At this point, the father isn’t looking for a miracle. He has reached the end of a rope strangling him with a fear that his situation is beyond hope. (How often have you felt the same?)
“If!” Jesus replies. (Did He chuckle when He said this?) “All things are possible to him who believes.”
Then the bold, honest words recorded for us today: “I do believe; help my unbelief.”
Jesus’ reaction to this father’s wavering confession is not “Get your act together, and we’ll talk.” But one of compassion and ultimate power.
As the crowd looks on, Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, commanding it to leave the boy forever. After throwing him into convulsions, the spirit flees, leaving him for dead. But Jesus takes the boy’s hand, raises him up, healed and whole, and gives him back to his father.
Can we be filled with both faith and doubt at the same time? Absolutely. Acknowledging our doubts to Jesus does not mean we don’t have faith. It means we have checked our hypocrisy at the door and are revealing our honest heart. Faith isn’t something we present to Jesus all tied up with a pretty bow. In fact, it is the other way around. Faith is a gift God gives us. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Dear soul, when you feel your faith depleting and doubt creeping in, don’t let it hinder your bringing your petition to Jesus. Simply have the courage to ask for more. That’s what the weary father did right that day. He did not leave disappointed.
Someday in heaven, I will thank this brave man for showing us how to pour out our honest selves before a loving Heavenly Father eager to provide all we need—-but I will probably have to stand in line.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Are you struggling with a situation in your own life that you feel is beyond hope? Have you poured out your honest heart to Jesus on this matter?
2. Read again Jesus’ words to the desperate father. “All things are possible to him who believes.” Is your faith running low? Don’t delay trying to fill it yourself. Go to Jesus and ask Him to strengthen your faith and give you the courage to trust Him. You won’t be disappointed.
