Scripture

Jesus said to him, “if you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24

Observation

This father came to Jesus to get his son healed. I imagine he had tried everything in their culture and religious tradition to help the boy – doctors, rabbis and priests, as well as home remedies but none had done any good. Then he heard about this amazing rabbi who healed so many and so he left his home and traveled however far he needed to in order to try one more time, one more cure. But then, the disciples tried and failed and his last, greatest hope was dashed to the ground. You can hear it in his voice when Jesus shows up… “if you can do anything, please have compassion on us and help us” (verse 21). Jesus understands the man’s condition and his hopelessness and speaks directly to that telling him that if only he can believe, if he can bring himself to believe once more in spite of all that he has been through, then indeed, all things are possible. At this the father cries out in brutal honesty – I want to believe, I’ve believed before and been disappointed so many times, can I really believe again after so many failures? Help me to overcome my unbelief. And with that little bit of faith and honesty, Jesus heals the boy!

Application

It’s OK to be honest with God. Jesus understands our condition and the things we have been through and He is not threatened when we are honest with him about our lack of faith. When we are honest with Him and with ourselves, He can deal with the root causes of our problems and in hope or even against all hope bring the physical, emotional or spiritual healing that we need.

Prayer

Father God, I want to believe but I need You to help my unbelief. Help me to overcome past disappointments and seeming failures and to always have hope; knowing that You not only are able to move in my life, but you are also willing to do so. Help me to see You as the loving Father You are and to develop the kind of faith that Jesus said could move mountains and accomplish “all things.”

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