When the [evil] spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a
convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
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 him who
believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome
my unbelief!"
- Mark 9:20-24 NIV
In the above passage, a man whose son is possessed by an evil spirit
appeals to Jesus to deliver the boy from his torment. We discover in the
preceding verses that the disciples had just attempted to drive out the
demon, and failed. Who could blame this father for his doubts? When he
appeals to the Messiah for help, Jesus indicates that the man's own faith
plays a part in whether or not his son will receive a miracle. It is then
that this parent pleads with the Savior to help him believe. How does Jesus
respond? He doesn't say, "Well, you've just missed your chance for a
miracle, and now your son will just have to learn to live with that demon!"
No, Jesus responds by casting the foul spirit out of the boy forever.
Some Christians believe that in certain matters, our faith has to be
perfect before we can receive anything from God. I used to believe that
myself. Some believe that we shouldn't ask God to increase our faith
because it might displease Him, and He probably wouldn't do it anyway. Now
I believe that in times of doubt, that father's exclamation is one of the
best prayers I can pray. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that our faith is a gift from
God. And Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is the "Author and Perfecter of our
faith." The Bible makes it clear that our faith is a gift from God,
perfected by God, so why do we berate ourselves when we can't muster up the
faith we think we should have? I do believe Scripture reveals that doubt
and unbelief are sins against God, and because of that we need to resist
them like other sins. But if we are permitted, and even expected, to ask
God for help to overcome other sins, why can't we do the same when we're
struggling with doubt? In addition to prayer, there are other things we can
do to cooperate with God's faith-building plan for us. The Bible says that
God's Word builds our faith. (Romans 10:17, Acts 20:32) So, we can devote
ourselves to studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Scriptures. And we
can spend time listening to good preaching and teaching. But let us not
forget that in times of doubt, we can pray like the Savior's own disciples
did--"Lord, increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5)
Prayer: Lord, I want so much to have perfect faith, but sometimes I must confess
that I struggle with doubt. During those times, I ask You to help me
overcome my unbelief. Increase my faith daily, and teach me to do my part
so that I can cooperate with You for the perfecting of my faith. Thank You
for giving me the faith I need to receive all that You have for me!
- J. M. Farro
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