Desperate to help his son, a father brought him to Jesus. This deaf and mute boy was tormented by an unclean spirit that caused violent seizures. The following passage reveals a paradoxical phrase that sheds light on the frailty of faith ...
And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:21-24
In those five words, 'faith' and 'doubt' cross paths. The man realized that he had shown a lack of faith by stating 'If you can'. With a humble heart, he responded to Jesus' statement ... being careful to express faith but at the same time, a concern for its deficiency. In essence, he said, “My faith is far from perfect so I may not have enough. Please help me to have enough faith.”
Upon hearing this, Jesus immediately spoke to the unclean spirit and cast it out of the man's son.
Even the most devout followers of Jesus can identify with this scenario. It is when we acknowledge our inadequacy that God moves in our lives. Christians know what the Bible says and trust that the Lord cares for His children ... but sometimes we are faced with something that seems to overpower our faith.
In those moments, we are to be honest with God. Asking for more faith is not an affront to Him. When we acknowledge that faith actually comes from the Lord, His Spirit empowers us to trust and obey.
... for without Me, ye can do nothing. John 15:5
“I believe; help my unbelief” is at once a statement of faith and an admission that it is far from perfect.
When left to our own devices, we stumble at every step. We must at all times pray for the Lord's guidance and strength. That alone enables us to do that which is right in His sight and bring glory to His name.
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