A boy with an 'unclean spirit' was brought to Jesus by his father. In desperation, the man pleaded ... "If You can do anything, have compassion and help us." Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24)
Christ healed his son.
The paradoxical phrase, 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief', begs the question ... how could the boy's father say he believes and at the same time ask for help in overcoming unbelief?
Through the Holy Spirit's ongoing work of sanctification in the life of every Christian, we discover that this man's earnest request is ours also. It is at once a statement of faith and an admission that it is far from perfect.
'Saving faith' is a one-time personal trust and surrender to Christ as both Lord and Savior ... For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
'Applied faith' is an ongoing obedience to God's Word through His power (not your own) ... Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
The more we get to know someone, the more likely we are to believe what they have to say. The reason believers struggle in their walk of faith is that they lack intimacy with the very God to whom they profess 'allegiance' ... Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)
Faith comes from the Lord. It is His work in your life that enables you to believe and obey. Therefore when you are up against something that tests your resolve, it is acceptable in God's sight to ask for more faith.
It pleased Jesus when the father of a tormented boy confessed his need for more 'belief' ... the same goes for you.
Grow thereby, pilgrim.
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