Help My Unbelief

[Source]

Lord, help my unbelief.


Last night's Bible study delved into the account of the father with a tormented son who came to Jesus and his disciples for help. This Dad was desperate. He knew his son was afflicted by a spirit which struck him dumb and caused him to thrash and foam at the mouth. It went on for years, even throughout childhood. The demonic spirit tried to kill this boy, as the father explains to Jesus:


And oft times it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.- Mark 9:22


If you can do it, Lord.  Please just do something.  Anything... if you can. Please help me.


Ah that little word "if." God knows I've been in this place many times. Perhaps you've been there, too.  I've read the promises of God, heard teachings from wise leaders, pastors and prophets, fasted and prayed to the Lord for a miracle, a sign, something... only to wonder if it would ever really happen. I know He can do it, so why do I wonder even for a fleeting moment?  Unbelief took up residence quietly, sitting on a stool in the corner of my mind, observing, questioning and doubting. I had some belief... but it wasn't 100% sure.    


So Jesus responds to the father, saying:


...If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. - Mark 9:23-24


In the following moments, Jesus rebukes and casts out the spirits in the boy, and he is made whole. The young man and his father are forever changed. As Apostle Holloway noted, "The father will never see his son the same way again!" It's a powerful testimony. God responds to our belief. He wouldn't call us to do so if we were not capable of doing so fully, with our whole hearts. And I can't will "unbelief" away. I need His help. I'm desperate for Him. And so I call out to Abba Father, because God can do it, and I can and do believe. It doesn't mean I'm perfect at this, but my faith is increased daily as I stay in Him and call on Him. Nothing is too hard for God.


All things are possible to him that believeth.