Mark 9:21-24

New International Version

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Your Encouragement  

We, like the man in this story, may need the grace of God today to lift us from the state of unbelief that is defeating us in so many ways.

We have heard about Jesus and come to Him, believing He is the Savior and that He can redeem us. And He has saved us – completely! Yet, there is a lingering unbelief about what He can do for us in certain circumstances that overwhelm us – things that threaten us, the Goliaths of this world. 

That was the situation of the father who brought his demon-afflicted son to Jesus for healing (Mk. 9:14-27). In narrating his story to Jesus, the man’s weak faith reared its ugly head in embarrassing (22).

“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed that he believes, but that his faith us weak and he begged the Lord to help him overcome his unbelief (24). His faith needed divine strength, and he was not proud to hide it. 

Maybe that is how we should be crying on the Lord today: Lord, strengthen my faith – help my unbelief. 

May the Lord deliver tou from that nagging, innocuous, yet defeating perspective that holds you back from trusting God completely into the richness of His grace, in Christ Jesus. Amen! 

Shalom, and good morning.