July 19 Bible Reading Plan

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!

-Mark 9:24

These are some of my favorite words in the Bible. They are so honest and raw. Where do we read them?

Mark chapter 9 shares this verse with us. It is spoken moments after Jesus had been transfigured on the mountain. He, along with Peter, James, and John, returned to the rest of the disciples, only to find them in a fight with the teachers of the law. Talk about being brought back into reality.

Jesus asked His disciples what the brouhaha was about. He was answered by someone in the crowd who explained that he had brought his son, who was possessed by a demon that beat and tortured the boy and asked the disciples to cast the demon out, but they couldn't do it.

What a tragic situation. This man had to watch his son be attacked, overcome, and mutilated by this demon. It is obvious that this has been going on for some time. He had to watch his son suffer, and he had no way to help him.

Now, he came to Jesus for help. However, Jesus was gone when he came to the disciples, and although the disciples were doing their best, they could do little to help.

The demon in the boy hated being around Jesus.

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.”

(Mark 9:21-22, NIV)

This man’s heart is breaking. He can’t take anymore. As many of us do, He cried out to Jesus for help. However, he asks for help in a questioning way. This fact didn’t go unnoticed by Jesus.

“‘If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23, NIV)

These words touched the man deeply, and he uttered what I believe is the best and most honest prayer in the Bible.

 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NIV)

What an honest statement! Anyone who has ever gone through a hard time can relate to this man's statement. He knows Jesus has the power to set his son free. Yet disappointment and the pain of our experiences make us wonder IF God will help us.

This man believed, yet he was tired and emotionally drained. In this state of mind, he wondered if Jesus would help him.

So, he confessed his faith and asked Jesus to give him the hope and strength to continue believing.

Notice Jesus didn't rebuke the man for his statement but instead showed compassion and strengthened his faith. The man's prayer showed he fully relied on Jesus to give him the strength to continue believing.

Despite the man's struggle with unbelief, Jesus acknowledged his faith and healed his son. As a result, he saw his son miraculously delivered and set free.

This man is a model for how we should handle our times of difficulty. I often find myself praying this prayer. There are many times when I struggle to believe that God will help me. I know that God has the ability and power to assist me, but when I am exhausted and beaten down by life's pain and hardships, my faith wavers. I start to think that God won't help me and that I'll be stuck in my situation forever.

During these times, I recall this powerful prayer and cry out to God, saying, "I believe You can help me. I believe You have the power to set me free from this trial. I believe Your power can get me through this. However, I find it hard to believe that You will help me. I struggle with the thought that You might let me down. I doubt that You will come through for me. Father, I believe, but please help my unbelief!"

I often find that God strengthens my faith in various ways. I might hear an inspiring song, read a comforting verse in the Bible, or receive encouragement from someone. God always finds a way to help my unbelief.

I am thankful Mark was inspired to include this prayer in the Bible. It is truly a unique and honest prayer and an excellent model of praying during challenging times.

What about you?

Do you have a relationship that makes your faith waver?

Do you deal with a physical infirmity that sometimes wears you down and makes you think God isn't going to help you through?

Are you a parent wrestling in the heavenlies for the soul of your child, scared they won't turn back to God?

Are you struggling financially and are fearful that God won't keep His Word to supply your needs?

Have you lost your job and struggled to believe God will supply a new job for you?

Do you ever think, "God will never help me?"

Does your situation seem hopeless?

Do you feel God is unable to set you free?

Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Has the pain and heartache of your situation left you struggling for help?

I understand the hardships and exhaustion this brings. I encourage you to pray the prayer that this father prayed.

Tell God you believe He has the power to help you, but the burden you carry causes you to doubt that He WILL help you. Ask Him for hope and encouragement to continue.

I am sure this is a prayer God will answer. He did it for this father, and He has done it for me. He will do it for you, too.