PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• In Mark 9, we read about a father who approached Jesus to heal his demon-possessed son.
It starts off with the father explaining the situation and telling Jesus, “… if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” (Mark 9:22)
Jesus responded, “‘If you can!’ All things are possible for one who believes.” (v23)
Do you hear a touch of incredulity in Jesus’ response?
After all, “if” is a little word that can carry a lot of weight.
We could spend several days dissecting this conversation, but let’s hone in on the father’s second statement to Christ.
In verse 24, “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
I encourage you to read this passage that starts at Mark 9:14 for yourself, without my commentary mixed in…
Do you read the same desperation I do?
Do you read the yearning to believe mixed with fear?
Do you hear a father’s hope?
Do you find this man’s response as relatable as I do?
Whatever our personal challenges, we can all find some common ground with this father.
We believe just as he did.
He wouldn’t have approached Jesus if he didn’t believe Jesus could help him.
Yet clearly, this man had met disappointment before and because of that, my guess is he approached Jesus with belief that had an order of wariness on the side.
It is something most people tend to do so we can be braced in case we’re disappointed.
The words, “Help my unbelief,” were, in my mind, cried out in desperation.
But whether the father realized it or not, he spoke that plea to the very Author of faith (Hebrews 12:2).
The lesson is — we can go directly to Jesus to fill us with the very faith we need to make our requests known to Him.
He is faithful to supply us with faith when we want to believe, but need His divine help.
Today, as you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the belief of the father who approached Jesus and believed He could help him.
And when other emotions and fears begin to compete with your belief, ask Jesus to supply you with the faith in Him that will move the mountain.
