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Praying With Jesus: I Believe. Help My Unbelief

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24

These are the words of a father desperate for his demon-possessed son to be made well. He had brought his son to be cleansed of a demon, but Jesus wasn’t there, just nine of the disciples. So, he asked the disciples to help. The disciples tried and failed time after time for hours.

Now, Jesus was there.

The father’s belief was waning, but now Jesus, Himself, was there. Jesus asks what was going on and the disciples and the father explain. This ends with the following…

“‘But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’

And Jesus said to him,

‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.’

It is then that the father blurts out, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!He wanted to. He really wanted his son to be healed, but he also had serious doubts.

I love the father’s honesty.

He didn’t try to fake it and say that of course, he believed. He also didn’t just accept his doubts and walk away. He asked Jesus to help him overcome his doubts and unbelief.

Sometimes when we pray, we have doubts about whether God can or will help. We don’t need to try to fake it with God…(it wouldn’t work anyway). We can ask God to help us to believe and overcome our doubts. God doesn’t despise those who have to ask for help believing. Rather, He helps us to overcome our unbelief.

Heavenly Father,

Sometimes I struggle to believe. I doubt You are listening. I doubt You can help the problem or maybe You just won’t. Help me to believe. Help me to overcome my doubts. Thank You that I can come to You even with these kinds of struggles and know that You listen and respond with grace and mercy.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt